The “Heart of the Community” resilience hub has opened in the centre of Snihurivka in Mykolaiv region. The Rokada team has created the region’s third modern space for support, development and new opportunities for residents.
At the hub, people will be able to gain a new profession in order to start their own business. Residents will be taught the basics of banner printing and printing services, the ins and outs of hydroponics, digital literacy and modern technologies, hairstyling, manicure and more. The development centre will also explain how to register as a sole proprietor and take the first steps in entrepreneurship – and if they successfully defend their business idea, residents will be able to receive grant support to start or expand their own business.
Coordinator of Rokada’s office in Mykolaiv
The resilience hubs Rokada is developing in Mykolaiv region give communities access to resources for recovery and further development. Each one is focused on practical results. Today, more than 16,000 people live in the Snihurivka community. For example, even if 5% of the population takes the opportunity to gain new professions, master modern technologies and practices, and later open their own business, that is already a good prospect.
The hub in Snihurivka is equipped with modern equipment specifically for the training programmes. Seven educational courses will start soon, and everyone interested is invited to join.
«У нас немає жодних обмежень для тих, хто прагне отримати новий фах. Кожен курс передбачає певну кількість годин, а по завершенні – охочі зможуть подаватися на грантові програми підтримки власного бізнесу. У перспективі перелік курсів постійно розширюватиметься відповідно до актуальних потреб людей і громади», – коментує менеджерка з освітніх і навчальних питань хабу Євгенія Бойкова.
The space administrator Denys Darbinian highlights the digital education programmes. He explains that computer literacy is a necessity today, so young people have a good chance to work in in-demand fields.
«Усі курси безоплатні, тож ми даємо можливість опанувати сучасні інструменти, отримати актуальні знання та в перспективі або заснувати власну справу пов‘язану з цифровими технологіями, або знайти себе у цьому секторі економіки», – додає він.
The “Heart of the Community” resilience hub is designed to be as comfortable and inclusive as possible – the premises are equipped with a lift for barrier-free access for all visitors. Among other things, there is a veterans’ room where a veteran support specialist, together with psychologists, lawyers and social workers, will help both the defenders themselves and their families. The hub also has a mother and child space – while parents study, specialists will work with the children.
Chair of the Board of the Rokada Charitable Foundation
This is far from the first hub opening I have witnessed. I am sincerely impressed by the community representatives’ openness to innovation, development and support for veterans, and by their desire for recovery and new opportunities. It is a truly powerful support complex that inspires with its idea and example. Everything here – from the atmosphere to the approaches to work – shows that the space will be full of constant activity and will give an impetus to a new life for the community. Where there are people passionate about their work, there is always every chance for development and growth. It is especially important that this space is based on the principles of inclusiveness and accessibility.
Rokada created its first two resilience hubs in Voznesensk and Novyi Buh. Another one will open in Koblevo in the future. Each of them is an innovative barrier-free space where people learn to write grant applications, develop their own business and gain a new profession, as well as receive legal, social and psychological assistance.
Scaling up support for communities is possible thanks to the cooperation of the Rokada Charitable Foundation with AWO International and funding from German Cooperation (Deutsche Zusammenarbeit) and Aktion Deutschland Hilft.
