On 19 February 2022, the spring semester of the project “Norway–Ukraine. Professional Adaptation. Integration into the State System” officially opened at the “Veteran House” Civic Union in Zhytomyr.
In Zhytomyr, the project partners are Zhytomyr Polytechnic State University and the NGO “Center for Conversion and Professional Adaptation” (CCPA). Together, they will provide professional retraining under the programme “Organisation of One’s Own Business” and social adaptation support for 26 participants — military personnel, war veterans, members of their families and families of fallen service members.
The project also aims to support participants in future employment and the development of their own businesses. Participation in the project is free of charge, as it has a strong social mission and is focused on professional reintegration and adaptation to civilian life.
The participants were welcomed by Olha Filina, Coordinator of the “Norway–Ukraine” project from the International Foundation for Social Adaptation; Iryna Zhyhlei, responsible for organising the educational process at Zhytomyr Polytechnic; and Nataliia Kharytonova, the project psychologist.
Immediately after the official opening, the group took part in the first introductory training session, “Confident Start,” conducted by project psychologist Nataliia Kharytonova.
The session helped participants who plan to start their own business or work as self-employed professionals get to know each other, receive peer support, and practise open communication — learning how to listen and be heard.
After the psychological training, the participants met Kseniia Lavrina, Head of the Zhytomyr Women’s Business Association, graduate of the international academy for women entrepreneurs, founder of the “Supermama Club” brand, co-owner of the private kindergarten “Tato Feia,” mentor and expert.
She conducted a training session titled “What Do I Want and Why Don’t I Have It Yet?” The goal of the session was to help participants better understand themselves in the present moment: what they truly want, what stops them, and what mistakes beginning entrepreneurs often make.
Graduates of previous project semesters, Lilia Bespavla and Maryna Orlyk, also joined the event to support the new participants and share their impressions of taking part in the “Norway–Ukraine” project.
The participants were also addressed by Yaroslav Veselskyi, Head of the Centre for Social Assistance to ATO/JFO Participants and Their Families, Internally Displaced Persons and Their Families, and Families of Those Killed in the Line of Duty at the Zhytomyr City Centre of Social Services.
During the discussion, participants considered key issues related to the social and professional readaptation of military personnel discharged from service, veterans and their families to civilian life.
At the end of the productive day, Marharyta Siranchuk, Acting Director of the Zhytomyr Regional Development Agency, congratulated the participants on the start of their studies.
CCPA expresses its gratitude to the team coordinating the “Norway–Ukraine” project on behalf of the university and the NGO “Center for Conversion and Professional Adaptation.”
Special thanks go to the International Foundation for Social Adaptation and Volodymyr Rubtsov for the opportunity to continue active work in the field of professional readaptation of ATO/JFO participants and members of their families.
Together, we are doing truly important and meaningful work. Peace, kindness and prosperity to Ukraine.
