Since 2014, the conflict in Ukraine has had an impact on local communities and civil society organisations. Dr. Tyschenko pointed out that full-scale warfare by Russia in Ukraine began in 2022, when society had a realistic understanding of what it was like to live in a war. She revealed that the war had weakened society in general, with children and other vulnerable groups, including those with special needs, suffering the most.

We discussed the practical and tangible solutions that the NGO Poruch (Ukrainian for standing shoulder to shoulder), which has nearly 800 volunteers, has used to bring positive change to various regions of Ukraine after more than a decade of war. One of their most important projects right now is the Schools of Peace initiative, which aims to provide children and young people with safe, peaceful, and conflict-resolution locations throughout Ukraine. These places are also artistically engaging because children can create their own learning environment.

The overall goal of the project is to reduce the trauma experienced by a new generation growing up in a traumatised society, as well as the potential for violent conflict resolution. “Putin might have benefited from attending the School of Peace as a child,” Dr. Tyschenko said in the broadcast. She also thanked the Estonian people for their support for Ukraine, saying that they now have hope thanks to the help of various countries. The programme also covered how to keep yourself and your team mentally healthy by assisting vulnerable groups on the front lines or in the back. This is a critical issue for the voluntary sector. This time, the episode is in English!

🟧🟦 The National Foundation of Civil Society and the Estonian Ministry of the Interior have funded the K-24 civil protection project in Väike-Õismäe, which is supporting this episode.