Shoulder to Shoulder

(Re)Building Ukraine

One person at a time.

We support women, children, and war-affected communities.

Through learning & community initiatives from our hub in Poltava, Ukraine, we help people acquire knowledge & skills, regain confidence & take steps towards a better life.

A woman standing at the front of a classroom or meeting room speaking to five women seated at wooden tables. The room has dark gray wooden walls and a whiteboard on the wall.
Map showing locations in Ukraine, including Kyiv, Kharkiv, and Odessa, with surrounding countries Belarus, Moldova, and parts of Russia.
A young girl at a craft table holding a colorful art project with pompoms on a blue background.

Programme Pillars devised to meet the needs of real people.

Consistency creates a sense of stability — something especially vital after trauma. Each programme reinforces the others, weaving together learning, support, and belonging. Together, we create a transformative impact that is difficult to achieve through stand-alone interventions.

EDUCATION

For children & teenagers whose education was interrupted by war to close learning gaps, exam readiness, restore learning routines, and create stability.

LIFE SKILLS & YOUTH DEVELOPMENT

Group of five young women standing in a circle, participating in a discussion in a classroom or office space with a whiteboard and posters on the walls.

For teenagers to build confidence, communication and leadership skills and develop renewed independence.

VOCATIONAL TRAINING

A group of women seated around a wooden table watching two women perform a skit or presentation in a dark room decorated with a Christmas tree.

For women and young people to gain new skills for modern-day professions, create new opportunities, and improve employability.

SOCIAL HEALING & WOMEN’S SUPPORT

A group of people sitting in a U-shaped arrangement in a room with dark blue walls, during a discussion or class, with some holding notebooks or cups, against a wall with a large word cloud related to learning English.

We provide a space for recovery from war trauma, build trust and return to an active social life.

  • "Even in the hardest times, growth matters. I truly love our classes.”"

    —Victoriia T

  • "In the leadership course, I spoke my mind in front of others for the first time — and I was heard. That changed something inside me. Now I know I can lead, take responsibility, and not be afraid.”

    —Yehor (16)

  • "My brother, a commander of the 72nd Mechanized Brigade who was killed in the Donetsk region, would have been so proud of his niece’s achievements [learning English]. He could speak English fluently. Your support means more to us than words can express 💙💛”

    Yuliia

  • "In the course ‘Me in Relationships with Others,’ we learn how to communicate, work in a team, and plan. These are the life skills we truly need. Being surrounded by peers who share your values reminds you that you’re not alone.”"

    —Zlata (17)

  • "The Board Game Club is the best part of my week. We laugh, compete, think strategically, and learn teamwork. After years of isolation — first COVID, then war — this space gives us back connection."

    Mykola (15)

  • "The special women’s gathering gave us comfort, care, and beautiful emotions — something we, as women, so desperately need in these difficult times."

    Iryana

  • “During wartime, this work feels incredibly important. Our children have lived through so much, and we must help them rebuild confidence in their knowledge, support them, inspire them, and give them stability. It is hope. It is a step toward a brighter future. Together, we are stronger 💙💛”

    Tetiana

  • “This is a place where I rediscovered confidence and allowed myself to live again. After losing my husband, I hardly left my home. I came to a class in September… and I stayed. This is a place you want to return to. A place where you are heard, where you can laugh, talk about life, and simply be among people. 💙💛”

    Nataliia

  • “The Photography Course was more than education — it was inspiration. I discovered new strengths within myself and found community. For a while, I could step away from the heavy reality we are living in.”

    Iryna