Renewal through learning: creating new opportunities

Anastasia, a school psychologist with over 13 years of experience, has always sought growth. Her role involves helping children and teachers overcome challenges and maintain resilience. However, the war profoundly disrupted lives, bringing uncertainty and new difficulties.

“The war exposed the deepest fears and anxieties. Many students left, some lost their homes, and others had to adapt to new realities in unfamiliar cities. For me, as a psychologist, it was a turning point: I had to be there, to listen, support, and address essential issues. But how could I reach everyone when connections were severed?” Anastasia reflects.

The answer came through participation in a project by the NGO “Responsible Citizens”, supported by Mercy Corps. The program offered SMM (Social Media Marketing) training for professionals across various fields to rebuild communication with their audiences and adapt to modern realities.

The courses lasted several months, blending theory and practice. Participants learned to create quality content, plan posts, manage Facebook and Instagram pages, engage audiences, and utilize analytics and targeted advertising tools.

“When I started, everything was new and challenging. But we had the support of teachers and practical tasks to reinforce our learning. The exercises on content creation stood out: writing posts, selecting visuals, and learning to communicate effectively. Even with power outages, I could continue learning, as everything was recorded,” Anastasia recalls.

She admits initial apprehensions, but the collaborative environment and accessible material helped overcome fears. “Through the project, I realized that SMM is about communication everyone needs. As a psychologist, I can support people even from afar. I started creating posts about burnout, stress, and coping strategies, supporting my audience. Additionally, I gained extra income by managing clients’ social media pages. I also apply this knowledge on school platforms.”

For Anastasia, this experience symbolizes renewal and self-belief. She notes that she has long known about the projects of “Responsible Citizens” and increasingly appreciates their vision: “It’s not just about help; it’s about people who see potential in everyone, even when we don’t see it ourselves. Thanks to them, I turned my knowledge into support for those who need it most.”

Together with Mercy Corps and supported by the UK government, “Responsible Citizens” creates opportunities for recovery, helping people find stability and move forward.