Participants – Facilitators and Experts
Nataliya moved from Donetsk to Ivano-Frankivsk in 2014, when the war began there following the Ukrainian Maidan Revolution. Prior to that she had worked for many years in international commerce and was in charge of HR, CSR and other administrative functions. After relocating, she and her new IDP friends decided to create a NGO to breakdown stereotypes about IDPs and promote democratic values and a professional work ethic. Being a happy, active mother of a 3-year-old girl and a 10-month-old boy, she also promotes active motherhood by working, volunteering, studying and travelling with children.
During her two years in the NGO sector Nataliya has earned a diploma in non-profit organization management, organized an alternative theatre festival, helped 25 people start businesses, opened a NGO co-working pilot project and advised numerous activists on organizational development.
About my project
Currently, Ukraine is facing issues related to IDPs, ATO veterans, a rise in activism and “post-Maidan NGOs”. The Ukrainian city of Ivano-Frankivsk also faces these issues, but it differs from other cities due to its conservatism and poor economic standing and the resultant low professional level of employees. Our organization created a social co-working pilot project to show that IDPs are a good resource for the community and to work with stereotypes e.g. about IDPs, gender and active parenting.
By creating a sustainable and safe space where any community member can work (including parents with children up to 2 years of age), and by holding training sessions to help people develop 2020 competences as well as create an NGO or business, we want to strengthen our community and ensure building of democratic values.