Empowering social sector workers: successful three-day training program completed

We held a three-day training session in Kyiv for social sector professionals as part of the project ‘Strengthening community capacity to provide essential protection and resilience services in the Kharkiv, Donetsk, Dnipropetrovsk, and Zaporizhzhia regions.’ This initiative, led by Responsible Citizens in partnership with UNICEF and funded by USAID aims to empower specialists to better support families impacted by the ongoing conflict.

The program provided a comprehensive approach to case management, covering everything from assessing family needs to structured intervention planning and detailed documentation. Participants — including case managers, psychologists, rehabilitation specialists, and speech therapists — honed their crisis management skills, communication competencies, and strategies to prevent emotional burnout.

Olga Kosse, Head of the board of Responsible Citizens, shared her insights: ‘For those working in crisis conditions, the question of “What should be done?” grows more urgent daily. They work with families who have lost a sense of safety, stability, and, at times, their homes. Case managers, psychologists, and social workers are often expected to deliver immediate support. Our training aimed to go beyond providing instructions. We focused on helping each professional recognize family needs and vulnerabilities, adapt support accordingly, and maintain their own well-being while working in demanding environments.’

Over the past year, our psychosocial support teams have assisted tens of thousands of families in eastern regions where help is most urgently needed. These mobile teams will continue to work, supporting families and children as they navigate hardships and build resilience for a stable future.