📍 Brussels, 20 March 2025 – Mundo Madou

On 20 March 2025, the ENABLE project concluded its two-year journey with a vibrant and inspiring final conference held in Brussels at Mundo Madou. The event gathered educators, researchers, policymakers, and civil society representatives to reflect on the progress made toward inclusive, trauma-sensitive schools that support the social and emotional well-being of migrant, refugee, and displaced (MRD) children.

Presenting the ENABLE Policy Toolkit

A highlight of the event was the presentation of the ENABLE Policy Toolkit by Soha El Jammal (Pistes-Solidaires). This practical guide supports schools and education authorities in implementing trauma-sensitive approaches, with concrete checklists, sample scenarios, and actionable policy suggestions. The Toolkit is a key legacy of the project and will continue to support inclusive practices beyond the project timeline.

👉 Link to the Toolkit

Soha El Jammal (Pistes-Solidaires) presenting the ENABLE Policy Toolkit. 

Framing the Challenge: Opening and Roundtable Discussion

The day began with a dynamic roundtable discussion featuring four experts from different sectors:

  • Andrea Lapegna (Lifelong Learning Platform) spoke about the importance of inclusive education and teacher training policies, pointing out the systemic gaps between national policies and everyday school realities.

  • Fatima Awil (Mental Health Europe) highlighted the mental health challenges faced by MRD children and the importance of trauma-informed practices in school settings.

  • Mojib Atal (Migrant Policy Group) offered a broader policy perspective, outlining key gaps in European and national integration strategies.

  • Pieter Frederix (UCLL), an expert in emotional development, discussed the link between emotional regulation and challenging behaviours, with particular attention to children with intellectual disabilities and their vulnerability to online risks.

The roundtable was divided into two parts: the first explored the context and current challenges, while the second focused on practical solutions and forward-looking recommendations.

Fatima Awil (Mental Health Europe), Andrea Lapegna (Lifelong Learning Platform), Mojib Atal (Migrant Policy Group), Soha El Jammal (Pistes-Solidaires) and Pieter Frederix during the ENABLE Conference roundtable discussion.

Interactive Exchange: The World Café

The second half of the morning featured an interactive World Café session, where participants rotated between four thematic discussion tables. Each table focused on one of the key dimensions of school inclusion for MRD children:

  • European education policies and their effectiveness

  • Inclusive school environments and strategies for creating a sense of belonging

  • School–community collaboration and the role of local actors in supporting families

  • Mental health support within school teams and early detection of trauma

This session allowed for rich peer exchange and brought together diverse insights and practices from across Europe.

Participants during the World Cafè discussion  

A Moment of Collective Reflection

The ENABLE Final Conference was not just an opportunity to share results — it was a celebration of shared commitment, collaboration, and care. It marked the culmination of a project that aimed to strengthen educational systems’ capacity to respond to the emotional and social needs of all children, particularly the most vulnerable.

The ENABLE team extends a heartfelt thank you to all the speakers, facilitators, participants and partners who contributed to the project and the conference.

📸 Coming soon: Photo gallery from the event
📄 Conference Agenda: https://enable-europe.org/enable-final-conference-20-march-2025/
🎥 Recording: Will be published on the ELNE YouTube Channel and website