Sport, Integration and Mental health through Physically Active Learning
About SIMPAL Project
The SIMPAL Project uses sport and Physically Active Learning (PAL) to support the inclusion, well-being, and trauma recovery of Ukrainian refugee children. By integrating movement into education, the project creates more engaging and supportive learning environments that help children adapt and thrive.
SIMPAL is an 18-month pilot project co-funded by the European Union and led by ISCA in partnership with Krokiet and Lama Academy.
Project objectives
The goal is to transform classrooms into dynamic environments where sport and movement enhance education, well-being, and social inclusion. By developing and testing a sport-specific PAL approach, the project supports Ukrainian refugee children in overcoming trauma and integrating into their new communities.
Through real-world feedback and collaboration with schools, municipalities, and educators, SIMPAL continuously improves its methods and works toward expanding its impact across Europe.
Our approach
SIMPAL uses Digital Physically Active Learning to make education more engaging and dynamic. It combines three key elements of child development: learning, movement, and fun.
Through online materials, developed by the Krokiet and Lama Academy, teachers and children can access videos, movement-based worksheets, and training materials that promote active learning. This approach replaces traditional sit-and-listen lessons with interactive activities that help children learn subjects like math, languages, and geography while staying active—both indoors and outdoors.
Integration of Refugees Through Sport
Poland has welcomed a significant number of Ukrainian refugees, including many children. Recognising this challenge, SIMPAL builds upon previous initiatives by incorporating physical activity into learning and integration efforts.
The project takes a child-centered and trauma-sensitive approach to help Ukrainian refugee children overcome challenges, build social connections, and feel a sense of belonging in their new communities. To ensure lasting impact and long-term success, the approach will be piloted in 40 schools across four cities in Poland, focusing on areas with a high number of refugee children.
Innovation
SIMPAL redefines how education, physical activity, and mental well-being intersect, creating an innovative approach that goes beyond traditional learning methods. By blending EDUtainment with Physically Active Learning, the project ensures that children are not only engaged but also empowered to thrive.
It encourages movement beyond the typical school sports programmes, integrating activity into everyday learning. With a strong foundation in digital and hands-on methodologies, SIMPAL aims to reach thousands of Ukrainian refugee children, tackling key challenges like social integration, trauma recovery, and physical inactivity. Through scalable, pan-European solutions and cross-sector collaboration, the project paves the way for long-term, impactful change in education and refugee support.
Get inspired
At SIMPAL, we believe in the power of education, movement, and community to create a brighter future for all children. Our project brings together schools, educators, policymakers, and organisations dedicated to supporting child well-being and refugee inclusion. Explore our resources and see how this approach is making a difference in classrooms and communities.
Partners
"Funded by the European Union. Views and opinions expressed are however those of the author(s) only and do not necessarily reflect those of the European Union or the European Education and Culture Executive Agency (EACEA). Neither the European Union nor EACEA can be held responsible for them."