Emergency Support for Ukrainian Refugees

Many Ukrainian people have lost their loved ones, homes, jobs and many other things in the past four years since Russian Forces invaded Ukraine on February 24, 2022. Peace Winds has been providing various supports to Ukrainian people to help them live with dignity. In Zviahel City in Zhytomyr Oblast (about 220 km west of Kyiv), Peace Winds, in cooperation with Ukrainian NGO Eleos Ukraine, launched “Business Training” in September 2025 for the internally displaced people and residents in the neighboring areas so that they can strengthen the foundation of life, as a part of our “Family Hub” activities providing legal, psychological and social supports for the people, especially women and children who are affected by the attack.

The trainings are in two courses. One is for beginners with programs offering guidance on how to identify viable business ideas, develop business plans, attract funds and understand the basics of entrepreneurship. The other is for practicing entrepreneurs with programs providing tools to expand their business, manage teams effectively, handle finances and explore new markets.

The participants include women who escaped from the war-torn zones, military families, and those who seek new ways for financial stability.

In both courses, the training programs aim to help people who are hurt by the war restore their sense of dignity, find inner resilience, and create sustainable livelihoods for themselves and their families. The five-months-long trainings combine practical business knowledge, psychological support, peer learning and individual mentoring. Prior to the training, staff of the Family Hub provide individual orientation to the participants. While doing so, when the staff find the need for psychological care, the participant can receive professional help from psychotherapists.

One of the participants, Tetiana, escaped from the occupied territory in eastern Ukraine. She says, “I joined this training to understand if business is suitable for me. I dream of returning home one day and opening a small café because I love baking.”

Lesia, another participant, says, “I came here with a clear goal – to structure the family business that used to belong to my husband. He is currently serving in the military, and I want to step in to continue developing what we built together.”

We have seen those who had been hurt begin to believe in themselves, feel strong enough to stand on their feet again, through learning and mutual support. This program is about dignity and life beyond pain.

Peace Winds continues to support the people of Ukraine through these projects. We appreciate your continuous support. Thank you very much.

This project is made possible with your support and Grant Assistance for Japanese NGO Projects (Ministry of Foreign Affairs).