Our team is responsible for integrating Ukrainians and assisting with daily challenges. We implement programs for employment assistance, language courses, we run a Ukrainian school and various cultural, advocacy, and mental health projects. This year, my colleagues proposed a single multi-subject test (an analogue of the Leaving Cert) for Ukrainian students. This collaborative project involved NEWKD, the Embassy of Ukraine, MTU University, and the Ministry of Education of Ukraine.

I organise cultural events to help Ukrainians integrate into the local community and introduce Irish people to Ukraine and its culture. I arranged for Ukrainian writers to participate in Listowel Writers’ Week, and facilitated the translation of children’s books by Ukrainian author, Halina Budilova. I organise concerts and film screenings. We invited Ukrainian media to Kerry to film a documentary, I also co-hosted the first Ukrainian-language podcast, New Residents, on Kerry Radio.

The most rewarding aspect of my work is when someone thanks me for helping them solve a problem. It’s gratifying to see immediate results from my efforts. I also enjoy working on larger projects that create significant change, even if the results aren’t immediately apparent.

The Irish are incredibly empathetic and ready to support newcomers. I deeply appreciate that. Volunteering is engrained in Irish culture—it seems to be part of the national DNA. I hope to bring this tradition to Ukraine. I love the Irish sense of humour and friendliness. Now, I always smile and ask strangers how they’re doing and raise a finger or two to greet oncoming drivers, just like the locals do!”

Part of our Ukrainian Stories collaboration with WeAct, originally published on their website.