26 participants attended, representing NGOs from across Ukraine. The training took place in Lutsk, Ukraine, mid-August, as part of Inclusion Europe work supporting rights and inclusion of people with intellectual disabilities in Ukraine. This work is supported by CBM, as part of the European Disability Forum’s project.
One of the participants of the training was Olena Kravchenko, head of the NGO Coalition. Olena was forced to evacuate from occupied Mariupol in 2022, and this was the first time she was able to reconnect with her colleagues in person.
Training topics and structure
Participants learned and exchanged on 2 main topics, requested by members of the NGO Coalition:
- Person-centred approach to supporting people with intellectual disabilities.
- Developing projects, and theory of change.
Inclusion Europe trainers provided participants with educational materials, including video lessons, presentations, worksheets, and recommended reading.
Due to frequent power outages, internet disruptions, and security concerns, the training was organised in a mixed format. It began with an online live session with trainers, followed by pre-recorded lectures, group work and discussions.
“This training provided participants with practical tools for their work,” said Olena Tsarenko, NGO Coalition project coordinator. “It was also important that family members and leaders of the NGO Coalition branches were able to meet in person after such a long time.”
NGO Coalition Council meeting
This was also the first time since the full-scale invasion the Council of the NGO Coalition was able to meet in person. The Council discussed new goals and projects aimed at helping people with intellectual disabilities in Ukraine.
“The meeting was very emotional and touching. We had the chance to exchange experiences, share news, and simply chat. It was wonderful to see colleagues from different cities and meet new people,” said Olena Melnyk, head of the NGO "Parents of Children with Down Syndrome and Other Developmental Disorders".
Participants in the training said:
"The information about project development and grants applications will greatly assist me in working with the Kherson community, especially in these wartime conditions." Lyudmila Savytska, "Mother's Heart" in Kherson.
"I found the practical task of monitoring social services extremely beneficial. This is a very useful skill for our organisation." Oksana Shcherbatska, Vinnytsia public organisation "Parostok".
The All-Ukrainian NGO Coalition for People with Intellectual Disabilities, a member of Inclusion Europe, represents 119 NGOs and communal institutions advocating for the rights of people with intellectual disabilities. The coalition supports approximately 14,000 families, 1,000 specialists, and 1,000 volunteers across the country.