The construction of a partner network is embedded in the mission of the Ukrainian Education Platform. Our goal is self-propelled and self-loading organisations of inspired people who create a country of the responsible
‘Even before the full-scale invasion, we began to build a network of educational, volunteer, and social initiatives which included about 400 organisations. They underwent various trainings, where they created their own unique technology, or learned how to effectively use ours for implementation in their communities. This was support not only by the educational component but also by sub-granting and mentoring on the way to implementing their ideas. The presence of such a number of partners in different regions of Ukraine played a key role in responding to new challenges after russia’s full-scale invasion: we were able to quickly and efficiently provide assistance to those who need it’, says Marjana Kashchak, Director of the CO “Ukrainian Education Platform”.
The joint interaction of our partners is a step towards a better understanding of the context of the whole country through the activities of organisations in individual regions. Our goal is to increase their organisational capacity through professional training, mentoring, financial support, and implementation of socially important projects.
‘We network with colleagues from the regions to respond to challenges faster and better, to support and strengthen each other. Our partners are professional organisations that have a deep understanding of the regional context. This is very important because it allows you to scale a positive impact,’ says Artem Kostiuchenko, Head of the National Partnerships Department of the CO “Ukrainian Education Platform”.
Cross-sectorality in partnerships
We cooperate with organisations from the regions that have their own local experience, cooperate with local authorities, have their own network of partners and identified areas of activity. These are organisations that have a desire to develop, learn, and grow with us: in our technology, vision, and values. These are the Ukrainian Education Platform hubs – regional organisations that implement their own humanitarian, social, and educational projects in partnership with the Ukrainian Education Platform.
‘Cross-sectoral partnerships are a value of our organisation. We cooperate with NGOs, local governments, businesses that have established charitable foundations, and religious organisations.
We create a safe environment for them which contributes to the implementation of new projects and strategic planning of activities, both in the regional and in the national context’ Ms. Marjana emphasises.
Support & engagement
Creating a shared story in local contexts takes place through support and interaction. The regional partners of the Ukrainian Education Platform are a large community of change makers. We support and strengthen each other. In particular, in providing for basic needs, a safe environment, community building and development.
‘These are the basic needs of people: food, hygiene kits, repair work, provision of shelters with equipment and improvement of living conditions in them. It is also psychological assistance and social integration. Developing self-sufficiency of organisations, we implement educational projects, use subgranting and transfer of our technologies which make it possible to implement projects necessary for hromadas in the regions’, says Mr. Artem.