Empowering Civil Society: Highlights from Razom and UCU’s Summer School on Organizational Development

Published: November 5, 2024

In mid-August, Razom for Ukraine and the Ukrainian Catholic University (UCU) launched a transformative Summer School on organizational development, drawing civil society leaders from across Ukraine to Lviv for a week-long program aimed at bolstering their organizations during these critical times. Held from August 11 to 17, 2024, this initiative brought together a diverse array of dedicated leaders from all corners of Ukraine, each focused on creating positive, lasting impacts within their communities amid the challenges of war.

The participants came from organizations committed to:

Delivering humanitarian aid to frontline and recently de-occupied areas
Coordinating evacuations for civilians in conflict zones near the front line
Supporting families with children, organizing extracurricular and recreational activities
Assisting families of fallen soldiers
Advancing educational development efforts
Preserving cultural heritage and celebrating regional cultures
Assisting frontline healthcare institutions under wartime conditions
Offering psychological support for frontline communities, families in crisis, and internally displaced persons (IDPs)
Promoting women’s empowerment, entrepreneurship, and supporting women during the war
Shaping youth policy at the local level
Developing entrepreneurial opportunities for veterans and IDPs

A Unique Selection Process for a Diverse Group

Razom selected participants through an open call, carefully choosing five grantees with a focus on diversity. The selection criteria included gender balance, a range of activities and experiences, and varying team sizes. This diversity fostered a dynamic environment where participants could learn from one another, establish new networks, and explore partnerships that will extend well beyond the Summer School.

Learning, Networking, and Strategic Development

During the week, participants attended sessions on organizational policies, strategies, partnership building, communications, and fundraising. Special guest speakers—including historians, political scientists, and contemporary thought leaders—were also invited to offer broader perspectives, enriching the learning experience and reinforcing participants’ motivations to serve their communities and contribute to Ukraine’s future.

Feedback from participants reflects the program’s lasting impact:

“I’ve already started applying what I learned and sharing it with my team.”
“This training changed my approach—I now work more strategically and with greater clarity.”
“Since the Summer School, we’ve launched three new projects and drafted an operational plan.”
“It was inspiring to be among such experienced and passionate community leaders.”
“The atmosphere was welcoming, and we’ve stayed connected, sharing insights and ideas.”

One participant’s message captured the essence of the program’s transformative effect:

“I want to thank Razom for Ukraine for organizing this program. Since the Summer School, our team has undergone transformations in communications, fundraising, and strategy. You achieved your goal!”

Looking Forward: New Opportunities for Summer School Graduates

Since August, Razom has been working to create follow-up opportunities for Summer School graduates. Plans include mentorship programs and grants for institutional support, providing these leaders with additional resources to strengthen their organizations. By nurturing the growth of Ukraine’s civil society, Razom and UCU are helping build a future where local organizations are equipped to meet the needs of their communities, paving the way for a resilient Ukraine.

With these new programs in place, the legacy of the Summer School will continue to inspire and empower civil society leaders to forge ahead with confidence, resilience, and unity.

Together, we are building a brighter future for Ukrainians through education and support.

Stay tuned for more updates and stories from Razom Relief.

Building Ukraine Together: Empowering Communities and Creating Safe Spaces

Published: October 22, 2024

As the war in Ukraine continues, grassroots initiatives are proving to be indispensable for community resilience and support. One such initiative is the NGO “Building Ukraine Together” (BUR), a longtime Razom partner, which is dedicated to empowering local communities through volunteer camps. Before launching these camps, BUR organizes a training school for teams who will lead local activities in collaboration with the organization. Recently, teams from three communities—Lypova Dolyna, Ladany, and Velyka Severynivka—gathered for several days of intensive lectures and workshops designed to prepare them for their roles.

Supported by Razom, BUR’s volunteer camps play a crucial role in restoring communities and empowering local volunteers. The training sessions emphasize essential skills such as volunteer management, effective communication, community engagement, team coordination, and resource identification.

A Community’s Vision: Yulia’s Story

Among the participants was Yulia, a representative from the Ladany community in the Chernihiv region. She successfully organized a team and applied to host a BUR camp with the aim of establishing a youth center in their community, which has become a haven for many displaced people fleeing Russian aggression.

Yulia expressed her motivation:

“I wanted to show our youth and our community that, with collective effort, we can achieve things we never dreamed of before.”

As the BUR camp unfolded, local residents actively engaged in the process, transforming their environment while also fostering a sense of ownership and pride in their community.

For Yulia’s team, this volunteer camp marked their first experience in organizing such an event. While they had previously participated in other projects, this challenge brought new learning opportunities.

Yulia reflected, “Everything was new to us—how to set up the camps, what their purpose is, and what the daily schedule looks like. The school helped us understand all of this. We also learned some team building games, like ‘Ladder,’ which helps teach us how to listen and ask the right questions. I work in the local government, so I’ve already started using these techniques at work.”

So far, two BUR camp sessions have successfully taken place in the Ladany community. The training school has significantly strengthened the team, streamlined the organizational process, and, most importantly, taught them how to engage people of all ages in community life.

Overcoming Fear: Bohdana’s Journey in Sumy

Another inspiring story comes from the recent BUR volunteer camp held in Lypova Dolyna, Sumy region, located just about 50 miles from the Russian border and is currently under regular attack. Here, volunteers worked together to create a bomb shelter, demonstrating their commitment to safety and community support. One volunteer, Bohdana, traveled over 500 miles from Zakarpattia to be part of this effort.

Bohdana shared her initial apprehensions:

“I was really stressed—it was a new city and my first camp—but I decided to join because I wanted to finally experience the BUR community vibe. The BUR team took the security aspects very seriously—checking air raid alerts, organizing shelter drills—and it almost felt like I wasn’t in Sumy, but somewhere much farther from the front line. I was scared I wouldn’t be helpful in construction. You know, when you first go to a camp, you feel like you don’t know anything about building and maybe you should just stay home. But with BUR, learning is fun and easy. Before you know it, you’re plastering walls like you’ve done it a hundred times.”

The first session of the BUR camp in Lypova Dolyna has already concluded, resulting in the creation of a shelter that will serve both as a refuge during air raids and a safe event space for the community. Bohdana not only contributed to a significant project but also formed lasting connections with fellow volunteers, making this experience a cherished memory.

This volunteer camp in Lypova Dolyna was made possible with the support of Razom for Ukraine.

Through initiatives like BUR, communities in Ukraine are finding strength and hope in each other, creating safe spaces and fostering resilience amid adversity. By empowering local leaders and volunteers, organizations like Razom and BUR are helping to build a brighter future for Ukraine. Thank you for your support!

Stay tuned for more updates and stories from Razom Relief.

Razom Relief: From Summer to School

Published: September 18, 2024

As the school year begins and autumn approaches, we reflect on the impact of Razom Relief’s initiatives that have provided needed support, healthcare, and educational opportunities to children and communities across Ukraine. Thanks to the generosity of our supporters, many have had the chance to rest, rejuvenate, and engage in activities that foster growth and resilience. We’re excited to share inspiring stories from those who have benefited from Razom’s grants and how these initiatives have helped prepare them for the new season and school year.

Center for Psychological and Humanitarian Support in the Chernivtsi Region

The Center for Psychological and Humanitarian Support (CPHS) for internally displaced people in Vyzhnytsia, Chernivtsi region, has been running several successful projects, including a social enterprise:a bakery. Razom is proud to partner with CPHS on a second joint project that has once again exceeded all expectations.

With a grant from Razom, the center sponsored a summer camp where children immersed themselves in adventures and learning, acquiring essential skills like orienteering, fire-starting, pitching tents, and cooking over open flames. The camp taught them teamwork, mutual support, and responsibility. The unforgettable experiences—new friendships, night hikes with flashlights, and laughter around campfires—served as a test of resilience and a perfect preparation for the new school year.

Creating Opportunities in Poltava

The NGO Sustainable Development Platform Perspective in the Poltava region, with Razom’s support, established a community center that has become a hub for children and youth. This space aims to empower young people by providing new knowledge, building connections, and fostering youth activism. Guided by mentors, the youth developed operational regulations and a strategic plan for the center’s growth in 2024-2025.

In just two months, the project reached over 2,500 people and hosted more than 60 events, including training sessions, workshops, physical activities, and community-building excursions, offering much-needed emotional relief and skill development.

Ukraine South Liberty: A Lifeline in Chornomorsk

In the southern regions, the Ukraine South Liberty organization in Chornomorsk, Odesa region, worked tirelessly to support children’s health and well-being. With a grant from Razom, they launched two critical projects: an IDP (Internally Displaced People) center and a children’s center. The IDP center offers services like career counseling, psychological support, IT training, and cultural events, while the children’s center focuses on holistic development through activities promoting inclusivity, gender equality, and psychological well-being.

Building Ukraine Together Youth Camp in the North

Supported by a Razom grant, Building Ukraine Together (BUR) gathered young participants from across Ukraine to aid in infrastructure restoration, create spaces for learning and connection, and support internally displaced persons. At the BUR camp in Ladanska, Chernihiv region, young people worked to build a youth center, helping the community recover from occupation and fostering a sense of hope and renewal.

As we embrace the fall season, these stories of readiness for the new school year and the positive impact of Razom’s grants remind us of the power of community and the difference we can make together. We extend our heartfelt gratitude to our donors—your continued support sustains these efforts, bringing hope and renewal to countless lives.

Stay tuned for more updates and stories from Razom Relief!

Razom Supports Ukrainian Education with Summer Mathematics School

Published: August 5, 2024

At Razom, we are committed to advancing education in Ukraine and empowering the talented youth who will shape the future. We are thrilled to share that we recently sponsored a mathematics camp for students in grades 1-7.

From June 29 to July 7, 2024, Tsyfra, a leading math club in Kyiv, hosted a mathematics school at the “Khvilya” resort, bringing together 130 enthusiastic participants. Tsyfra is renowned for its dedication to supplementary math education and cultivating scientific thinking among young people. Their program covers math, mathematical logic, physics, natural science, and chess through a variety of learning methods, including study groups, lectures, seminars, and games.

This summer’s school was the culmination of two months of intensive planning and preparation by teachers, organizers, and Tsyfra’s talented team. We are incredibly grateful to our generous donors for making this event possible and to the dedicated educators and organizers who worked tirelessly to bring it to life. A special thank you to all the students and their families, whose enthusiasm and participation made this camp a resounding success. We are proud to have sponsored such an inspiring event and are thankful for the opportunity to support this amazing initiative.

What Parents Are Saying:

Nataliya Vrodskaya: “Thank you for creating a wonderful experience filled with love for children and mathematics. It was a much-needed boost for my child. We appreciate the warmth and care you put into this camp!”
Nadya Voytekho: “A huge thank you! The program was engaging, fun, and informative. This was our first experience with Tsyfra, and my son is absolutely thrilled! Everything was fantastic. You are incredible!”
Darya Ruban: “As always, we are delighted. We can’t wait for the fall sessions!”

Together, we are building a brighter future for Ukraine’s youth through education and support.

We invite you to learn more about Razom’s Relief Program, including Razom Ticket, and consider supporting our efforts.

Building Ukraine Together X Razom: Rebuilding Homes and Communities

Published: July 2, 2024

Building Ukraine Together (BUR) is a non-governmental organization empowering youth through volunteering. Originally a volunteer camp, BUR unites volunteers from Ukraine to renovate homes and lives affected by the war since 2014. Following the Russian invasion on February 24, 2022, BUR scaled up to support thousands of people, renovating homes and shelters for internally displaced persons (IDPs) and common spaces for people to meet and learn

Partnership with Razom: A Synergy for Greater Impact

BUR and Razom started partnering in 2016. Razom has been instrumental in promoting BUR’s projects in the U.S., recruiting international volunteers, and securing funding for them. Since the 2022 escalation of the war, Razom has supported BUR initiatives, recognizing the importance of community and developing future leaders during these violent times. Last year, we supported a number of volunteer camps that were pivotal in assisting populations directly impacted by military actions, IDPs, vulnerable populations, and youth.

Project Overview and Implementation

The partnership between BUR and Razom focuses on developing young people through volunteer activities, aiding communities affected by Russian aggression, and enhancing social infrastructure. This project encompasses three main activities:

Community School: A preparatory training program for community representatives where BUR camps will be held.
Volunteer BUR Camps: Hands-on volunteer camps focused on renovating selected premises, engaging local youth and fostering community cohesion.
Local Volunteer Actions (BURchyk): Smaller, local initiatives driven by volunteers.

Despite the ongoing war and associated risks, BUR successfully implemented all planned activities, demonstrating remarkable resilience and commitment.

Community School

Held on June 17-18, 2023, this two-day training session equipped 10 participants with the necessary skills to organize and conduct BUR camps in their communities. The curriculum included team-building exercises, presentations about BUR and Razom, and fundraising strategies. This initiative aimed to enhance the capacity and self-sufficiency of local teams, ensuring they are motivated and prepared to drive positive change after BUR’s intervention.

Volunteer BUR Camps

Thanks to Razom’s grant, BUR organized 16 volunteer camps across three communities (Chernihiv, Rivne, Kharkiv). Each camp, attended by approximately 25 volunteers aged 16-35, focused on renovating critical social infrastructure. Projects included renovating an inclusive resource center, a youth space, and housing for IDPs. Overall, with our help, BUR renovated 3 IPD shelters, 2 event spaces, 9 houses and flats damaged by war, and 3 bomb shelters. Seven hundred thirty-three volunteers from all over Ukraine got involved into BUR projects. Volunteers not only engaged in physical reconstruction but also participated in a comprehensive cultural and educational program, fostering leadership, problem-solving skills, and civic engagement.

Have you heard about BURchyk?

It’s not just a construction project, it’s a movement and it’s changing the lives of countless Ukrainians. BURchyk is a special volunteer project of BUR; it’s a short-term construction initiative that unites local volunteers looking to make an impact. Joining BURchyk means being part of a mission to restore homes, create shelters, and rebuild Ukraine. Thanks to Razom’s grant, BUR organized 14 BURchyk camps across the Ukraine.

Impact Stories: Transforming Lives

Renovating a Community Center in Bar City

From July to September 2023, BUR volunteers renovated a facility to engage in cultural and educational initiatives. This project focused on renovation and promoting social inclusion through cultural events and education. The community celebrated the successful project with a reopening ceremony. The center, which supports 240 children (half of whom are IDPs) with assessments and consultations, is now a more welcoming space thanks to the efforts of BUR and local volunteers.

Restoring a Home in Trikhsvyatska Sloboda, Chernihiv Region

In August 2023, BUR volunteers helped an elderly couple whose home was destroyed during the occupation. Living in an unsuitable outbuilding for over a year, the couple faced harsh conditions. With the support of Razom, local NGO “Mozhemo” and BUR volunteers, they transformed the outbuilding into a habitable space, installing windows, doors, and heating. This project was a testament to the power of collective effort and the profound impact of community support.

Renovating a Bomb Shelter in Korets, Rivne Region

From August to September 2023, volunteers worked on converting a radiation shelter into a creative space for youth. The initiative involved preparing and painting walls, decorating with artwork, and assembling furniture from pallets. This safe community space serves as a bomb shelter and now hosts various events, fostering creativity and social interaction among local youth. The project highlighted the successful partnership between municipal governments and community organizations.

Conclusion: Building a Brighter Future

The partnership between Building Ukraine Together and Razom exemplifies the power of unity and volunteerism in rebuilding war-torn communities. Through the combined efforts, they continue to transform lives, foster community cohesion, and inspire hope. As Ukraine faces ongoing challenges, the resilience and dedication of these organizations and their volunteers remain a powerful force for positive change.

Donate to Razom Relief today and join us in supporting Ukrainians and their efforts to rebuild their lives and communities!

We invite you to learn more and support Razom’s Relief Program.

Razom Relief: Helping Ukrainian Frontiers (Українські Рубежі) Rescue Kharkiv Residents

Published: June 11, 2024

Kharkiv, a key city in northeastern Ukraine, has been on the front lines since Russia’s invasion in February 2022. Despite these last few weeks of intense fighting and ruthless aerial assaults, the city remains under Ukrainian control. However, as ever, the victims of these last rounds of fighting were civilians: families have been split apart and left trapped in the war zone.

There is help on the ground.

Thanks to Razom’s swift response, the local organization Ukrainian Frontiers (Українські Рубежі) received a critical grant through our Relief program. Ukrainian Frontiers has been on the front lines since the emergency began, tirelessly evacuating people from affected areas. Our grant ensured that they can continue these efforts by covering fuel, car repairs, driver salaries, and other essentials needed to safely relocate 350 people.

Despite constant shelling that hinders access to some residents, Ukrainian Frontiers’ well-equipped transportation network and strong working relationship with the military are enabling critical rescues.

Our grantees shared with us many stories from the ground. The evacuees carried the weight of loss and uncertainty. Yet, even in despair, there was strength of spirit. A young girl, clutching a tattered teddy bear, managed a small smile. An old man, his eyes filled with gratitude, insisted on sharing his meager food with others. These are powerful reminders of the potential for human endurance during a crisis.

Beyond Evacuation: A Support Network

Razom’s grant arrived at a pivotal moment, allowing Ukrainian Frontiers to do more than just evacuate residents. They became a vital support network, finding shelter for the displaced, reuniting families torn apart by war. Their work exemplifies how donations to Razom make a real difference on the ground during emergencies.

Things calmed down a bit in June for Ukrainian Frontiers, but the war still remains and they know their work is far from over. As the situation develops, their team is ready to help in other areas. With your continued support through Razom, Ukrainian Frontiers will keep providing hope, saving lives one by one.

How You Can Help

Donate to Razom for Ukraine today and help empower heroes like Ukrainian Frontiers who are delivering hope where it’s needed most.

Razom Relief: Helping Liberated Ukrainians Regrow Their Lives

Published: June 4, 2024

Residents in liberated areas of Ukraine once thrived on their farms. Now, they face a fight to rebuild. Their land is damaged, and getting food is a constant worry.

In partnership with Rescue Now, one of our grantees on the ground in Ukraine, we launched the Reroot Project. We’re distributing seeds and potatoes and empowering people to grow their own crops, thereby reducing their dependence on aid.

This initiative goes beyond a simple handout and aims to make communities more self-sufficient. Raising their own crops helps households save costs for the family, making local supply of food available, even during emergencies or breakdowns in supply, or power outages. This way it contributes to a more stable food supply and minimizes the dependency on outside food support. Thus, private farming is one of the key reasons people stay or return to their homes, as it is one of the main sources for living there. In the rural areas of Ukraine, knowledge about sustainable farming practices is passed down from generation to generation, fostering a viable and self-sufficient culture. This program also promotes teamwork, builds up ties within the community, and fosters communication across households via creating additional group channels of communication; people share their experiences and support each other via these channels.

Meet the People We’re Helping

Natalia, a resident with mobility challenges, faced immense hardship during the occupation. Sheltering from shelling and bombings, access to food became a constant worry. Now, with seeds and potatoes provided by Razom Relief, Natalia can slowly rebuild her vegetable garden. This not only provides food security but also a sense of purpose and hope for the future.

Nataliya Hryhorivna, a 74-year-old pensioner, recounts the struggle to find planting materials under occupation. Despite the danger, she tended her garden, determined to have a source of food. Now, liberated and with access to seeds, she looks forward to a brighter future for herself and Ukraine.

Bilokudrya Svitlana, a community representative, describes the eight brutal months of occupation. Gardening became not only difficult but dangerous due to shelling. Essential utilities like electricity, water, and gas were also disrupted. Razom Relief’s assistance provides a lifeline, allowing the community to rebuild their gardens and hope for a victorious future.

Razom Relief, alongside our partners, is helping communities harmed by past Russian occupation regrow not just their crops, but their path to renewal. Together, we can help Ukraine blossom again.

Donate to Razom Relief today and empower families to reroot their lives!

We invite you to learn more and support Razom’s Relief Program.

Ukrainian Moot Court Team Triumphs at Oxford

Published: May 7, 2024

Razom remains committed to supporting Ukraine’s future leaders! We recently helped the Taras Shevchenko National University team compete in the Oxford Intellectual Property (IP) Moot Court Competition. Coached by Ilona Boliubash and Nataliia Badora, the team – Anastasiia Tolkachova, Anna Tkachuk, and Sofiia Yermolenko – made Ukraine proud. They faced off against 27 teams worldwide and won 2 out of 4 rounds!

This achievement is even more inspiring considering the wartime environment in which the team prepared. Despite the challenges, the three contenders persevered, showcasing their talent and skills. The competition not only deepened their legal expertise but also provided valuable intercultural exposure. Representing Ukraine on the world stage during such a difficult time was a moment of immense pride.

It’s crucial for Razom to support young minds and make their participation possible. Their journey doesn’t end here. They are committed to continuous improvement, aiming to become the next generation of Ukrainian IP leaders and ensure Ukraine’s continued presence at this prestigious event.

Voices from the Team

Sofiia Yermolenko: “Participating in the Moot Court was transformative. It allowed me to feel like a normal student again. The sense of community and shared passion for IP law was truly inspiring. I gained valuable knowledge and skills that I’m eager to use to contribute to a post-war Ukraine fostering innovation and economic growth.”

Anastasiia Tolkachova: “Representing Ukraine at Oxford was a unique and unforgettable experience. The team’s dedication and passion fueled our success. Our heartfelt thanks go to Razom for Ukraine, our incredible coaches, and the welcoming global community of IP enthusiasts we met. This event was a breath of fresh air – a week free from the constant threat of war. It recharged me and ignited a renewed energy to contribute to Ukraine’s legal system and post-war development.”

Anna Tkachuk: “The Oxford Moot Court fosters a supportive environment, creating a true community. The opportunity to interact with talented students, experienced coaches, and esteemed judges was incredibly rewarding. The oral rounds were particularly valuable, pushing me to hone my advocacy skills and receive real-time feedback. Looking back, I’m proud of our team’s research, legal performance, and ability to stand out in such a competitive field.”

The story of the Ukrainian team at the Oxford Moot Court is one of hope and dedication. It highlights the transformative power of education and the unfaltering spirit of a nation united in the face of adversity. Their success serves as an inspiration to all, demonstrating that even in hardship, the pursuit of knowledge and a brighter future continues.

Learn more about the Razom Ticket project and support the brilliant young minds of Ukraine today!

Winter Preparedness Grants Make a Difference for Thousands

Published: March 12, 2024

The war in Ukraine has brought immense hardship, and winter only exacerbated the challenges faced by many communities. Damaged infrastructure and limited resources had left residents vulnerable to the harsh realities of a cold season. This winter, Razom Relief partnered with Ukrainian organizations to provide crucial winter aid, delivering items like firewood, power banks, blankets, gas cookers, and aiding in house insulation and windows, and roof renovations. In this article, we aim to spotlight three of such organizations.

Razom x Bilozerskyi Center for Regional Development

Razom provided funds to the Bilozerskyi Center for Regional Development to distribute winter supplies in Bilozerka and Stanislav. These communities endured a 9-month occupation and, even after liberation, they continue to face the constant threat of artillery shelling. Those who could evacuate did so. Mostly elderly people, large families, and individuals with disabilities remained. Securing their most fundamental needs is an ongoing struggle, particularly during the harsh winter months.

This project provided 44 families with fuel briquettes for heating and 70 families with essential winter kits, including flashlights, thermoses, portable gas stoves, blankets, and socks.

Tetiana Buzhenko, humanitarian staff member at the Bilozerskyi Center for Regional Development:

“I am amazed at how grateful our fellow villagers are for the help they receive. Some cry, others constantly express thanks. It feels like their cherished dream has come true. It is also sad at the same time, because you understand that people need simple things that they did not think about before, and now they are not able to afford them. Did anyone ever think that we would need portable stoves or flashlights?! I am glad that I can help my fellow countrymen!”

Kateryna Okseniuk, Head of humanitarian staff at the Bilozerskyi Center for Regional Development:

“The humanitarian direction in our organization is new, but quite powerful. During all of 2023, we worked tirelessly to help our communities improve their living conditions, meet the needs of residents so that necessary things like medicines and goods were available to them. Frankly speaking, it is not easy, but we understand that if we have the opportunity to help, we cannot neglect it. This project shows how much we are needed by our fellow countrymen and how vulnerable they are now.”

Razom x Nove Misto

Nove Misto Charity Foundation is an organization established in 2022 dedicated to providing vital humanitarian aid in Ukraine. Led by construction expert Kyrylo Hordiienko, Nove Misto focuses on restoring damaged civilian structures, ensuring access to utilities, clearing debris, and assisting animals in need.

In areas like the Kharkiv region, frequently targeted by Russian forces, Razom supported Nove Misto in replacing windows for 21 households. This seemingly simple project provided vital repairs for families struggling with the harsh winter conditions. Damaged windows meant more than just drafts and discomfort; they symbolized compromised safety, increased vulnerability, and a constant reminder of the ongoing struggle.

In the village of Tsupivka, Kharkiv region, Mrs. Nadiya Pavlivna’s story is a testament to the impact of Razom Relief’s initiatives. Faced with a harsh winter and broken windows in her house, she felt hopeless. However, with Razom’s support, Nove Misto replaced her windows, bringing warmth and comfort back to her home.

“Life in the village of Tsupivka has never been easy, but recent years have turned it into a real challenge. My house has suffered serious damage and was deteriorating with each day. Winter was approaching, and the windows were broken. I lost hope that I would be able to change anything because my resources were limited. One day, I discovered the Nove Misto and Razom’s project. Their team arrived and replaced the windows, bringing back warmth and comfort to my home. The gratitude I feel cannot be expressed in words. This is not just a window replacement, it is a return of home and hope.”

In another impactful case, after Mrs. Lyubov Fedorivna’s home was damaged by shelling, she struggled to survive the cold and drafts. Nove Misto not only replaced her windows but also provided building materials, food, and hygiene kits – essential resources for maintaining dignity and moving forward with her life.

“After the shelling in our village of Prudyanka, my life stopped. My small house, which was my fortress, was damaged by shelling. Living in such conditions, in the cold and drafts, was almost impossible. I prayed every day for a miracle, and one day my prayers were answered. When representatives of Nove Misto came to me, I could hardly believe in the reality of their help. They not only replaced the damaged windows, but also provided building materials for repairs, as well as food and hygiene kits that were so needed.

From now on, looking through the new clean windows, I see not only the village, but also a bright future. Words of gratitude sound in my heart every day.”

Razom x Nabutok

Razom is also partnering with Nabutok, a volunteer-driven organization providing indispensable support to Ukrainians on the front lines and in war-torn areas of eastern Ukraine. Since April 2022, they have delivered over 300 tons of humanitarian aid, making 82 trips to deliver critical supplies to these regions.

“We cannot stand aside,” says Serhiy, the head of Nabutok. “Thanks to partnerships like this, we’ve helped evacuate a lot of families and provided vital resources to countless others.”

Razom awarded a grant to Nabutok to deliver essential winter supplies to families in Krasnohorivka, a frontline settlement in Donetsk Oblast. The grant funded the purchase and distribution of items like flashlights, warmers, power banks, firewood, and blankets, providing a lifeline to approximately 230 families.

Nabutok’s unwavering commitment inspires us all. Their dedication, along with the support of Razom and its donors, makes a tangible difference in the lives of Ukrainians facing immense hardship.

The fight for Ukraine continues, but Razom remains dedicated to working with organizations like Nove Misto, Bilozerskyi Center for Regional Development and Nabutok who are providing life-saving assistance on the ground.

Here’s how you can help:

Donate: Your contributions allow Razom to continue supporting frontline communities and providing essential supplies.
Spread Awareness: Share this story and others like it to raise awareness about the ongoing humanitarian crisis in Ukraine.
Stay Informed: Visit the Razom website for regular updates and opportunities to get involved.

Together, we can stand with the courageous people of Ukraine and ensure they have the resources they need.

We invite you to learn more and support Razom’s Relief Program.

Investing in Ukraine’s Future: Razom’s Commitment to Education and Innovation

Published: November 29, 2023

Razom is proud to support education in Ukraine. We are passionate about investing in the country’s talented youth, the future generation of professionals set to lead with innovation, drive positive change, and contribute to global advancements.

Recently, Razom sponsored the first, in-person school of mathematics for students in grades 1-6 and 10th grade, held in the Kyiv region at the end of October. This one-week event brought together 80 participants and featured not only intensive math sessions but also master classes, talent shows, chess tournaments and sports activities.

In the words of one participant, the atmosphere created by the teachers made math irresistible.. Onsite math schools are vital, providing face-to-face learning that fosters stronger connections and faster progress compared to remote alternatives.

The event was organized by Tsyfra, one of Kyiv’s finest math clubs dedicated to providing supplementary mathematical education and nurturing scientific thinking among primary and secondary students. With disciplines like math, mathematical logic, physics/natural science and chess, Tsyfra educates through study groups, emphasizing problem-solving via lectures, seminars, games, and theoretical analyses.

The center’s commitment to academic excellence is evident through consistently high results in various Olympiads and competitions, as students continue to excel, even amidst the challenges of war.

At Razom, our mission is to continue fostering democracy and prosperity in Ukraine, and we believe supporting education is a key, long term strategy to manifest this purpose. We proudly recognize the dedicated teachers shaping the minds of Ukrainian children, and the students who persevere in their studies. Our heartfelt gratitude goes out to our amazing sponsors, whose generosity makes these programs possible. Together, we’re paving the way for a brighter future in Ukraine.

We invite you to learn more and support Razom’s Relief Program, of which Razom Ticket is a part.