Based in Poltava, supporting women, children, and war-affected communities.

SHOULDER-TO-SHOULDER
(Re)Building Ukraine. One person at a time.

Through learning and community initiatives we help people acquire knowledge and skills, regain confidence and take steps towards a better life.

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Social Learning & Healing Hub in Poltava, Ukraine. For the many impacted by war.

Our mission is simple and strong:

“Through learning and community initiatives we help people acquire knowledge and skills, regain confidence and take steps towards a better life.”

A place where learning, support, and personal growth come together to create real movement toward a better life.

We work shoulder-to-shoulder with women, youth, and families – helping them (re)build confidence, gain new skills, and take practical steps toward stability, safety, and empowerment.

Programmes

Student fees are based on the ability to pay, and all fees are waived for wives and children of fallen soldiers.*

Education:

Catch-up classes (math, history, Ukrainian, English), national exam prep, and language programs.

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Vocational Training:

SMM, design, photo/video, and practical professions like barista skills, sewing, and floristry.

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Life Skills & Youth Development:

Leadership, public speaking, and safety partnerships with Kidpower USA.

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Social Healing & Women’s Support:

Support groups, art therapy, and "Tea & Talk" mental health meetings.

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Svitlana Yushenko

Total beginner

Thank you for the warmth of connection, even when it is dark and cold outside. Thank you for the honesty, the openness, and for creating a space where you can truly be yourself

Iryna Vasylenko

Professional painter

I was truly moved by the sincere atmosphere in the ‘Shoulder-to-Shoulder’ space. The special women’s gathering on February 14 gave us comfort, care, and beautiful emotions - something we, as women, so desperately need in these difficult times.

Yuliia Kryvoruchko

Passionate amateur

We are sincerely grateful for the opportunity to study at ‘Shoulder-to-Shoulder’ 💙💛
My daughter attends English classes with joy. The atmosphere is incredibly warm and welcoming. My brother, a commander of the 72nd Mechanized Brigade who was killed in the Donetsk region, would have been so proud of his niece’s achievements. He could speak English fluently. Your support means more to us than words can express

Viktoriia Trotsenko

I am a primary school teacher who decided to start learning English.
Studying in a free group for educators has become more than just learning - it has been emotional support and a chance to keep moving forward. Becoming a student again is challenging, but deeply meaningful. I now understand my own pupils better, their struggles and their small victories. I feel myself growing,both as a teacher and as a person. Even in the hardest times, growth matters. I truly love our classes.

Dasha, 15 y.o.

I love our English classes. I realized that English opens the world to me. We drink tea together, we talk, we learn without fear. Because we’re not afraid to make mistakes, we want to speak even more.

Mykola, 15 y.o

The Board Game Club is the best part of my week. We laugh, compete, think strategically, and learn teamwork. After years of isolation - first COVID, then war - this space gives us back connection. Here, no one mocks your mistakes. You are respected!

Core Pillars of the Organization

Shoulder-to-Shoulder
(Re)Building Ukraine. One person at a time.

EDUCATION

MISSION:

Close learning gaps disrupted by war
Build strong foundations for academic learning and scholastic achievement

OFFERINGS:

Tutoring
LanguageLab
ExamPrep

MEASURES OF SUCCESS:

Successful exam results
Readiness to take on more difficult courses

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VOCATIONAL LEARNING

MISSION:

Fast-track skills for modern day professions
Create new employment opportunities
Improve employability

OFFERINGS:

Technical skills
Sewing & textiles
Photography
Social Media
Graphic Design
Barrista Course
Handmade crafts
Floristry

MEASURES OF SUCCESS:

Demonstrated mastery of skills taught
Employment in selected vocation

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DEVELOPING LIFE SKILLS

MISSION:

Practice critical thinking and build confidence to:
Speak eloquently,
Develop resilience
Create renewed independence

OFFERINGS:

“KidPower” Courses & Activities
Boundary-setting
Clarifying your personal power
Communication Tools & Techniques

MEASURES OF SUCCESS:

Improved ability to think and speak clearly and logically
Improved ability to resolve personal conflicts and defuse volatile situations
Gained respect from schoolmates and others

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SOCIAL HEALING

MISSION:

Create connections and a sense of belonging through safe spaces and ongoing events and activities

OFFERINGS:

Support groups
Art therapy sessions
Healing workshops
Tea & Talk
Teen Meetups (games, movies and discussions)

MEASURES OF SUCCESS:

Improved sense of community and mutual support
Improved mental health for community members
Ability to support personal growth of other community members

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OUR VALUES

Human dignity and compassion

We protect human dignity, provide compassionate support, and help women and children affected by war rebuild stability and confidence.
Safety and trust

We ensure safe spaces, foster trust, and deliver consistent support to communities rebuilding after the impact of war.
Accessibility and fairness

We promote equitable access to resources, uphold fairness, and ensure inclusive support for communities impacted by war.
Quality and professionalism

We maintain rigorous standards, ensure program excellence, and deliver accountable, professional support to those rebuilding after war.
Community and mutual support

We strengthen community bonds, encourage mutual support, and create networks where women and families can rebuild together.
Sustainable, long-term changes

We implement sustainable programs, strengthen long-term capacity, and support communities in building stable, independent futures.