440 veteran businesses received financial support from the Ukrainian Veteran Foundation of the Ministry of Veterans Affairs of Ukraine.
In the summer of 2022, we launched the “20 thousand” microfinancing program. Applications for the first #Varto competition were opened in September 2022.
We are happy that in less than two years of operation, the Foundation managed to support veteran businesses in the amount of UAH 121.9 million as of today.
And this sum is growing every day. Almost every region of Ukraine has veteran enterprises that are growing thanks to the victory in #Varto contests and the “20 thousand” program from the UVF.
Most of them are situated in:
Kyiv and Kyiv region – 121
Lvivska – 48
Vinnytsia – 33
These are large farms and small coffee shops, agricultural drones and veteran publishing houses, eventually toy workshops, rehabilitation centers, industrial UAV production. All these businesses became the winners of our competition programs.
The Crisis Support Hotline of the Ukrainian Veterans Foundation received an award from MTEC.Rebuild as “The best program of psychological rehabilitation for military and civilians.”
We are proud of our psychologists – each and every one of them. We are grateful for the fact that you are in touch 24/7 with those who need support, and help those who so desperately need to get back on their feet here and now, endure pain or loss. We are grateful to chief psychologist, veteran Oleksandr Chamorsov for the united team of hotline specialists.
We also thank the Ministry of Veterans Affairs of Ukraine and IREX in Ukraine for their support.
The Hotline 0 800 33 20 29 project became possible thanks to the Ukraine Rapid Response Fund program, implemented by IREX in Ukraine with the support of the US State
About the award:
Department.MTEC.Rebuild took place within the framework of the annual exhibition and conference of medical tourism MTEC.Kyiv — the largest and the most effective specialized event in Ukraine in the field of medical tourism.
This powerful platform for the development of medical and health tourism brings together industry specialists to share experiences and improve business efficiency.
With this competition, we supported veteran businesses related to vocational professions. The winners will receive from 500 thousand to 3 million hryvnias.
⠀ This is the third competitive program for 2023, with which the Ukrainian Veterans Foundation of the Ministry of Veterans Affairs Affairs financially supports the businesses of veterans and families of fallen defenders.
⠀ 64 businesses have already received support. They received an opportunity to purchase new equipment, open new workplaces, and introduce themselves to customers. And the new winners will soon join them.
On September 29, in the city of Kamianske of the Dnipropetrovsk region, the Ukrainian Veterans Foundation and the Ministry of Veterans Affairs met with veterans, NGOs, and local authorities of the Dnipropetrovsk region to discuss ways of implementing veteran policy on the ground.
The event was opened by Yulia Laputina, Minister of Veterans Affairs of Ukraine. She said that Dnipropetrovsk Region was one of the first to open a structural unit for veterans’ affairs. Now the region is one of four where the pilot project — the Veteran’s Assistant Institute is being implemented.
“The Veteran’s Assistant Institute should become a basic infrastructural body that communicates with all institutions that will be useful for veterans: ministries, regional administrations, etc. At the community level, there should be a service office in which veteran’s assistants will work. These will not be office workers. These will be people with a tablet or phone that contains the contacts of veterans and those who provide them with services. Veterans can call the assistant at any time. If, for example, a veteran needs psychological support, his assistant takes a doctor or psychologist with him and goes to see him.”
Yulia Laputina emphasized that veteran policy is a change in approaches. If we do not do this, society will feel serious tension.
“We have to provide every opportunity to support the veteran. It is important that they integrate into society, become partners of the community, move into the future, and develop their own business by example. The Ukrainian Veterans Foundatiob is now helping with this. The winners of the competition programs are fantastic people.”
Karina Doroshenko, Deputy Executive Director of the UVF, congratulated the participants of the regional veterans forum:
“Today we live in a new reality where each of us is responsible for the future of veterans. The Ukrainian Veterans Foundation works to ensure that veterans get the opportunity to develop their projects, legal and psychological support, crisis support groups for veterans and their families, and educational courses. We listen to their requests, conduct analytical research, our team includes veterans and their family members, so we have a clear understanding of the challenges and offer solutions. Therefore, today’s forum is an opportunity to share experiences, to cooperate for the sake of veterans for a common future”.
Representatives of the Ukrainian Veterans Foundation also held dialogue platforms:
🔹 Together with veterans and representatives of self-government bodies, they discussed possible changes to the draft law on veteran business
🔹 held a workshop on how to fill out applications for competitive programs of the UVF
🔹 provided legal advice on participation in competitive programs of the Foundation
Veterans will return to their communities. It is important to provide them with the necessary support on the ground.
This is the first event in a series of regional veterans forums, the holding of which was announced by the Minister of Veterans Affairs, Yulia Laputina, during the Kyiv VI International Veterans Forum “Ukraine. Defenders. Future.”
The event in Kamianske was organized by the Dnipropetrovsk Regional Military Administration with the support of the Ministry of Veterans Affairs and the Ukrainian Veterans Foundation.
Education and employment of veterans is one of the conditions for their successful return. And we are actively working to prepare the basis for such reintegration projects right now. So, the other day, the Ukrainian Veterans Foundation of the Ministry of Veterans Affairs concluded a Memorandum of Cooperation with NPC “Ukrenergo”. The priority is training and work opportunities for veterans in the field of energy.
“In the team of Ukrenergo, 250 employees are currently serving in the Defense Forces. 26 of them have already returned to work. Therefore, the development of a program for the reintegration of veterans is already in demand. We aim for an outcome that will support veterans in their return to civilian life. The best way to do this is to provide employment,”emphasizes Lyudmila Yeropkina, HR Director at NEC Ukrenergo.
On the agenda of the NEC “Ukrenergo” team is the ratio of current vacancies in the field of energy and professions that are taught in Ukrenergo divisions. We were lucky enough to attend one of them and learn more about the training model for specialists in the energy sector.
– The course provides 9 months of professional training and allows veterans to acquire a new profession with the prospect of professional growth.
– A person undergoes paid internship and industrial practice under the guidance of a professional employee.
– During the study of power engineering, all possible scenarios are worked out in a training format: from mastering substation simulators to work under the voltage of 330,000 volts.
“There are key professions at the energy company – these are electricians and drivers. This is 80% of the company’s work specialties. They are also builders, turners, millers. Workers who perform these jobs regularly pass a medical examination, because the safety and health of workers is of the highest value. Currently, it is difficult for companies to offer options for people with disabilities, because there are a number of restrictions on the part of the state and in specific specialties. But outdated rules, which can be changed, must be changed,” the company sums up.
The training program is already in effect. The team foresees the need to include in the course for veterans the topic of psychological support, the development of social and communicative skills. It is also about training teachers on how to work with veterans.
“We are glad that we found a common understanding of the challenges with the company “Ukrenergo”. In particular, our state is the largest employer, and labor specialties are those that are in high demand and can be acquired relatively quickly. We have seen one of the progressive educational complexes of the National Energy and Mineral Resources Company “Ukrenergo” and are sure that we will succeed in everything with joint efforts,” says Nataliia Kalmykova, Executive Director of the Ukrainian Veterans Foundation.
A veteran, returning from the front, reevaluates his life. NEC “Ukrenergo” is one of such value-based companies that is already working on the issue of the comfortable reintegration of veterans and the support of their families in the field of energy.
We are ready to strengthen this initiative because together we are empowering the strongest!
The team of the Ukrainian Veterans Foundation of the Ministry of Veteran Affairs together with Ukrainian veterans created recommendations for journalists “How to write about veterans”. These developments will help journalists to write, speak, and show veterans in a way that does not harm them.
The presentation of the recommendations took place on September 27 in the premises of the information partners of the UVF, Starlight Media. It was held in the training format for more than 30 journalists, guest editors, and reporters.
At the event, veterans who took part in the creation of materials played the main role: Maksym Kolesnikov – serviceman of the Ukrainian Armed Forces, employee of the Ministry of Defense Office for Support of Changes, Yuliia Kirillova – veteran, co-founder of the Women’s Veterans Movement, Andriy Bodnarchuk – veteran, commander of a volunteer formation, director of Trauma Medical Solutions. They answered all the journalists’ questions and shared their own and very different experience of communication with the media.
Growing prejudice and stereotypes against veterans in the face of a full-scale invasion is a challenge that needs to be addressed now.
Nataliya Kalmykova, Executive Director of the Ukrainian Veterans Foundation of the Ministry of Veterans Affairs, who was present at the event, noted:
“The responsibility of the media regarding how people will perceive veterans is huge. Each message is not just words, but something that will later turn into actions of other people. First of all, we should see veterans as human beings, not stigmas, patterns, and stereotypes. And this is our joint responsibility: to emphasize humanity, gratitude, demonstrating that a veteran is an integral part of society. The part with a “plus” sign”.
Veteran Andriy Bodnarchuk said:
“We must remember that sooner or later we will all find ourselves in the place of a veteran. The war will affect all of us – this is worth realizing. And the image of a veteran that we will form will apply to most of us.”
Veteran Maksym Kolesnikov emphasized:
“I would like to address the journalists. Your weapon is significant and essential, and your contribution to victory is great. And if you make it clear to society the image of a veteran that after returning from the army, the military will meet respect and be able to realize themselves in civilian life – this will remove the anxiety and fear of veterans about returning to civilian life. It is you who can create a sense of belief that there is life after war. And for those who are afraid of mobilization and hesitate whether to join the ranks of the Defense Forces – you will help make this choice easier”.
Veteran Yulia Kirillova explained:
“According to the Constitution of Ukraine, the protection of territorial integrity and sovereignty is the duty of all citizens of Ukraine. Regardless of gender. So why should a woman in the army be some kind of “miracle”? I remember my path in the Armed Forces in 2014 – and I still understand those cliché questions of journalists during interviews, at that time, nine years ago. But why can i hear them even sound now?”
The next national survey “Image of veterans in Ukrainian society”, conducted by the sociological group “Rating” at the initiative of the Ukrainian Veterans Foundation, showed a tendency towards worsening expectations in society regarding the future of veterans of the Russian-Ukrainian war and assessments of the state’s fulfillment of its obligations to the military.
Although today 79% generally believe that there is respect for veterans in society, on the other hand, compared to the last survey, the share of those who have the opposite opinion has increased from 6% to 18%. There is also a noticeable decrease in absolute estimates: in July 2022, 55% of respondents spoke about the undeniable respect of society for veterans, while in September 2023, only 25% said so.
Growing prejudice and stereotypes against veterans in the face of a full-scale invasion is a challenge that needs to be addressed now.
After 2014, in the media, a soldier who returned from the war was demonized to the level of “atoshnik = danger to civilians”, “benefits user”, “PTSD sufferer”, “we didn’t send you there”. These generalizations ruined the lives of a huge number of veterans. Because of such prejudices, it was difficult for them to adapt in civilian life, it was difficult to find a job, it was difficult to integrate into society in general, where you are looked at with fear.
After February 24, the number of veterans increased dramatically, and after the victory, it is predicted that the veteran community, together with the families of veterans and the families of fallen defenders of Ukraine, will make up 10-15% of the entire population. So we cannot repeat the mistake of 2014.
“Journalism has a significant influence on the formation of the image of a veteran. Through media, even the seemingly smallest details affect the overall context. We invite journalists to read our recommendations, interact and work for the sake of our common future,” emphasized the co-author of the recommendations, Deputy Executive Director of the UVF Karina Doroshenko.
“In order not to make mistakes, you should just be human. Remember that we have an enemy. And we have to defend ourselves. Take care of the people around you. And which are not nearby. Asking myself what will happen after I do it. We must do everything to make veterans want to return. And they didn’t want to return to the place where they are valued,” Nataliya Kalmykova concluded.
The event was moderated by Olena Rybinska, journalist, communications specialist of the UVF and co-author of the recommendations.
Thanks to Starlight Media for the organization and support.
Nataliia headed the Ukrainian Veterans Foundation of the Ministry of Veterans Affairs for more than a year and a half.
In fact, a powerful institution has grown from scratch – perhaps the only one in Ukraine that effectively helps Ukrainian veterans: provides financial support for their own entrepreneurial initiatives, psychological and legal assistance, conducts important analytics, and representative sociological researches. And that’s not all.
Therefore, we are sure that she will continue her service to our defenders and Ukraine in the new position of Deputy Minister! Of course, with new responsibilities and challenges. We thank Nataliia for the faith in our cause, support and incredible efforts that she invested!
Nataliia’s priority areas of work in her new position: People – personnel policy reform, development of an effective human resources management model, digitalization of processes, creation of the Armed Forces employer brand. Militarypersonnel in civilian life – adaptation of the military, state guarantees, the mental health system, building a reserve force from veterans. Military medicine – digitization and reform of the military medical center, changing approaches to training in tactical medicine, no compromises on the quality of military first-aid kits, building a new model in the military medicine system (from tourniquet and evacuation vehicle to treatment of diseases and prosthetics).
Her expertise will help our soldiers feel protected and important for the state.
“The main priority for new team members is our soldiers, their life, health and dignity. Our most important task is to ensure respect for the dignity of soldiers in all interactions with the state”, – emphasized the Minister of Defense of Ukraine Rustem Umerov.
On September 15, at a meeting of the Cabinet of Ministers of Ukraine, amendments were made to the Procedure for the use of funds provided for in the state budget for the functioning of the Ukrainian Veteran Foundation of the Ministry of Veterans Affairs.
This Procedure, in particular, defines the mechanism of using the funds provided for in the state budget and the categories of persons who have the right to receive financial support from the Ukrainian Veterans Foundation of the Ministry of Veterans Affairs. Below is an explanation of the new changes and opportunities that have emerged as a result of the Government’s recent decision.
Among the important changes, the list of categories of persons who have the right to receive financial support was expanded: From now on, in addition to war veterans and family members of fallen Defenders, the second spouse of a veteran – a spouse – can take part in competitive programs.
In particular, the spouse or husband of a veteran who is registered in accordance with the requirements of the law as a natural person-entrepreneur has the right to receive financial support, if their projects are aimed at the reintegration of veterans into active social life, ensuring the preservation and restoration of physical and mental health.
The conditions for participation in competitive programs for legal entities have also changed. The registration period for legal entities and NGOs was shortened to 1 year. Now the following have the right to participate in competitive programs: legal entities registered no later than one year before submitting an application for participation in the competitive selection, at least one of the founders (participants, owners, war shareholders) of which is a veteran, a family member of a fallen (deceased) war veteran, a family member of the fallen (deceased) Defenders of Ukraine, as well as the wife or husband of a veteran in the event that the projects are aimed at the reintegration of veterans into active social life, ensuring the preservation and restoration of their physical and mental health;
nongovernmental organizations with the status of a legal entity, which are registered in accordance with the requirements of the Laws of Ukraine no later than one year before submitting an application for participation in the competitive selection and have the status of a non-profit organization, whose statutory activities include issues related to the protection of rights and freedoms, the satisfaction of public, in particular, economic, social, cultural and other interests of veterans and their family members.
These changes will allow to significantly increase in the number of applicants for competitive programs of the Ukrainian Veterans Foundations. This means even more supported businesses and public organizations that work for the benefit of veterans, their families and Ukraine as a whole.
The Ukrainian Veterans Foundation of the Ministry of Veterans Affairs together with the American University Kyiv help to achieve victory through educational opportunities for Ukrainian veterans and their family members, as well as family members of the fallen.In the spring of 2023, at the initiative of the president of AUK Dan Rice American University Kyiv launched a scholarship program, that is designed to support veterans, their children, and spouses of fallen heroes.
On June 7, 2023, the Ukrainian Veterans Foundation of the Ministry of Veterans Affairs and American University Kyiv signed a Memorandum of Cooperation.
Already this fall, four people obtained scholarships and began their studies at the American University of Kyiv they are:
“It is always interesting to try something new and plunge into new trials of the introductory and educational processes. I saw an advertisement on FB about the admission process at AUK and was very interested in the curriculum and the opportunity to study according to American standards, but without leaving Ukraine. This is a great opportunity to gain unique knowledge and skills, meet new people and go beyond your comfort zone,” says Bohdana Tarasyk.
Three of the fellows are studying in the master’s program of Global Management (MGM), and the last one is studying on the bachelor’s program in Data Science.
“The program is so interesting and so different from the programs of Ukrainian state universities that I am sure that the acquired knowledge will help me work more efficiently and implement new interesting solutions. Studying during the war is about victory. It is about the fact that we do not stop our lives, but invest our strength and resources in the development of the future. And there is no future without victory,” Bohdana Tarasyk shares her impressions.Data Science is a bachelor’s degree program that equips students with the necessary knowledge and skills to become critical analysts and proficient users of data.
Global Management is a program for those who seek to develop innovation within the organization and be prepared to perform management, business and leadership functions in various spheres, industries and countries.
The Ukrainian Veterans Foundation of the Ministry of Veterans Affairs and Sociological group “RATING” presented another nationwide survey “Image of veterans in Ukrainian society” on September 21 at 10:00 in the Military Media Center.
We observed more pessimistic estimates than a year ago for:
▪️ society’s attitude towards veterans
▪️ return of veterans to civilian life
📌 Today, 79% generally believe that society respects veterans.
However, 18% have the opposite opinion. Last year, there were only 6% of people with such an opinion.
There is also a noticeable decrease in absolute indicators:
✅ in July 2022, 55% of respondents spoke about the unequivocal respect of society for veterans
❌ in September 2023, only 25% of respondents answered affirmatively
“I am sure that the feeling that a veteran will have in society depends on the personal responsibility of a citizen who takes advantage of the opportunity to live while the country is protected by veterans. Such studies should be conducted. These numbers should motivate each of us to take action: pay attention to our attitude, create more employment opportunities. Everyone can do something for the one who saved our lives”, – Nataliia Kalmykova, Executive Director of the UVF.
Analysts of the Foundation and “Rating” have also recorded a tendency towards worsening expectations in society over the past year regarding:
▪️ The future of veterans of the Russian-Ukrainian war
▪️ Assessments of the state’s fulfillment of its obligations to the military
🔗 Results of the all-Ukrainian survey “Image of veterans in Ukrainian society”: https://lnkd.in/eQHdAz_3…
