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Socio-cultural and historical context

Support materials for trainers linked to this module.

1. Methodology 2. Summary 3. Presentation 4. Video 5. Questionnaire 6. Additional resources

Methodology

Duration: 1,5 hours.

Methodology for the in-person format

The proposal would be to start the course with a general introductory video to raise awareness of the situation of refugees and asylum. Subsequently, the theoretical contents would be presented in slide format to facilitate the speaker's presentation.

After this presentation, which could last about an hour, we propose the use of a microlearning methodology in small groups of students, based on suggesting that they go deeper into a specific topic of the contents of the introduction. It may seem unnecessary, but it is a way of capturing attention.

An example of this minimal extension of content that may be interesting is to offer a link that leads to a deeper exploration of the topic of foreign lands.

It is proposed to talk about the mineral wealth of these lands and the geopolitical interests that may be associated, as a way to understand other determinants of war and not just the apparent ones.

This would be with a content of about 20 minutes and, finally, there could be an evaluation exercise of the introductory module with 10 multiple-choice questions with three alternative answers that the speaker will provide either on paper or by sending a link to the evaluation (to facilitate data collection).

Methodological online format:

The proposal would be to start the course with a general introductory video to raise awareness of the refugee and asylum situation. Subsequently, the theoretical contents would be presented online with a voice-over narrating them in parallel to the possible reading by the students.

Obviously, the presentation of the text has to be with a slow scroll that does not produce a sense of urgency in the reader and that facilitates that there is not too much text on the screen.

After this presentation, which could last about an hour, we propose the use of a microlearning methodology, based on suggesting to the students that they go deeper into a specific topic of the contents of the introduction. It may seem unnecessary, but it is a way of capturing attention.

An example of this minimal extension of content that may be interesting is to provide a link that leads to a deeper exploration of the topic of foreign lands.

It is proposed to talk about the mineral wealth of these lands and the geopolitical interests that may be associated, as a way to understand other determinants of war and not just the apparent ones.

This would be with content for about 20 minutes and, finally, an evaluation exercise of the introductory module could be done with 10 multiple choice questions with three alternative answers.

Summary

The module “SocioCultural and Historical Context” aims to familiarize participants with the background of the war in Ukraine by presenting its historical, geographical, political, and cultural determinants. Its purpose is not only to provide knowledge but also to foster attitudes of empathy, respect, and openness toward people from Ukraine, particularly refugees experiencing the consequences of war. The course includes an analysis of the causes of the conflict, its impact on families and society, and the challenges related to adaptation in new social and professional environments. Classes are conducted in the form of lectures, discussions, group work, and case study analysis.

Ukraine is the largest country located entirely in Europe. It borders Poland, Russia, Belarus, Hungary, and Romania, among others, and has access to the Black Sea and the Sea of Azov. Its capital is Kyiv—a city with more than a thousand years of history, considered the cradle of East Slavic civilization. The country is situated mainly on lowlands and plains, which favor agriculture. Thanks to its very fertile soils, Ukraine is known as the “breadbasket of Europe” and is one of the leading producers of grain and sunflower crops. In addition to agriculture, it possesses rich natural resources, including coal, iron ore, and manganese, which have played a significant role in the development of industry.

Ukraine’s history is complex and marked by numerous political changes. Its origins date back to the times of Kievan Rus (9th–13th centuries), one of the first state formations in Eastern Europe. After its decline, Ukrainian lands were influenced by various powers, including Lithuania, Poland, and the Ottoman Empire. In the 17th century, the Cossack movement and the Hetmanate played an important role. In the 19th century, the country was divided between Austria-Hungary and Russia. The 20th century brought tragic events—the Great Famine (Holodomor), World War II, and the period of Soviet communism. In 1991, Ukraine regained independence after the collapse of the USSR. Subsequent turning points included the Orange Revolution (2004–2005) and the Euromaidan protests (2013–2014), which led to a change of government and a clear shift toward European integration. In 2014, Russia annexed Crimea and began destabilizing the Donbas region, and on February 24, 2022, it launched a full-scale invasion.

These events have significantly strengthened Ukrainian national identity and the country’s pro-European development trajectory. Ukrainian culture is based on values such as freedom, independence, solidarity, and strong family ties. An important element of national identity is the Ukrainian language, which in recent years has become a symbol of sovereignty. In literature, a special place is held by Taras Shevchenko, regarded as the national poet. Folk art, music, dance, and traditional costumes also play an important role.

Contemporary Ukraine is a country of rich regional diversity. In addition to Kyiv, important cities include Lviv—historically strongly connected with Poland and European culture; Kharkiv—formerly the capital of the Ukrainian SSR and an important industrial center; and Odesa—a key port on the Black Sea. Each of these cities plays a significant cultural and economic role, and some have become symbols of resistance against Russian aggression.

Cuisine is also an important element of national identity. One of the most well-known dishes is Ukrainian borscht—a traditional beet soup inscribed on UNESCO’s Intangible Cultural Heritage list—as well as varenyky, deruny, and holubtsi. This cuisine highlights the importance of hospitality and community.

Since 1991, Ukraine’s social policy system has been undergoing a transformation from a post-Soviet model to a market-oriented one. It includes family, pension, and healthcare benefits, but faces financial and organizational challenges, especially in wartime conditions. The country benefits from international support and is implementing educational and administrative reforms, striving for integration with the European Union and NATO.

The causes of the conflict with Russia are geopolitical, historical, and identity-based. They include Russia’s ambition to maintain influence in the region, opposition to NATO expansion, and Ukraine’s pursuit of an independent, pro-Western policy. The consequences of the war are dramatic: enormous human losses, destruction of infrastructure, a refugee crisis, and changes in Europe’s security and energy policies. At the same time, the conflict has strengthened Western unity and increased support for Ukraine.

In conclusion, Ukraine is a state with a long and complex history, a strong culture, and a distinct national identity. The current war is not only a territorial conflict but also a clash between two political visions—authoritarian and democratic. Understanding Ukraine’s socio-cultural context allows for a deeper comprehension of its citizens’ experiences and helps build attitudes of solidarity and intercultural respect.

Video

Video for this module and language.

Resource available for this module.

Questionnaire

HTML link to the module questionnaire.

Resource available for this module.

Additional resources

Source: https://pl.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ukraina#/media/Plik:Ukraine_CIA_map.gif

Recommended readings

Suggested videos

Historia w 5 minut . (2016, May 10), Ukraina. Historia Ukrainy w Pigułce [video] YouTube. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6bhZzULV_2s

Great Documentaries. (2024, April 25), UKRAINA: Ścieżka Wolności | Pełny dokument [video] YouTube, https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=p0xznlZpeDg

Mediateka Suspilne Media. Media. Retrieved November 4, 2025, from https://mediateka.suspilne.media/en/media/3397

Suggested downloadable materials

UkraineFood.info. (2018). Ukraine national cuisine – recipes, pictures, information. Retrieved November 4, 2025, from

https://ukrainefood.info

(Ukraina Food)

Authentic Ukraine. Authentic savor of Ukraine. Retrieved November 4, 2025, from https://authenticukraine.com.ua/en/authentic-savor-of-ukraine

Błażejewski W., Leżucha M. (2023), Jakość życia uchodźców wojennych z Ukrainy. DOI: https://doi.org/10.52934/eto.185

Długosz P. (2022), Trauma wojenna ukraińskich uchodźców przebywających w Polsce. DOI: 10.35757/STP.2022.50.4.05

Gergało-Dąbek N. (2024), Płaszczyzna kulturalna partnerstwa strategicznego Polski i Ukrainy

Zabłocka-Żytka L., Lavdas M. (2023), Stres wojny. Zalecenia dotyczące ochrony zdrowia psychicznego i dobrostanu zarówno uchodźców ukraińskich, jak i Polaków zaangażowanych w ich wsparcie. DOI: https://doi.org/10.12740/PP/156157

Dudzik A. (2024) Formy pomocy uchodźcom udzielanej na terenie rzeczpospolitej polskiej. DOI 10.4467/25436104HS.23.011.19123

Łakoma S. (2023) Pomoc uchodźcom jako wyraz troski o godność człowieka. https://doi.org/10.18778/0208-6069.S.2023.16

Łosiak W. (2023) Stres wojny i migracji – konsekwencje dla dzieci i młodzieży. https://doi.org/10.12797/RM.01.2023.13.07

Ostafiński W. (2023) Stereotypy i uprzedzenia we wzajemnych relacjach Polaków i Ukraińców jako bariery integracyjne. DOI: https://doi.org/10.52934/eto.184