Skills for the future: supporting educators in Kharkiv

The NGO “Responsible Citizens,” in collaboration with the Kharkiv Humanitarian and Pedagogical Academy, conducted a training session titled “Skills for Success in Life and Career” for educators from Kharkiv’s educational institutions.

The event is part of our mission to provide systemic support to professionals working with people in war-affected regions of Ukraine.

The training aimed to enhance educators’ qualifications, equipping them with modern tools to support youth in professional self-determination and the development of soft skills. The trainer was Marianna Bilozerova, PhD, and a lecturer at the Department of Social Work at the Kharkiv Humanitarian and Pedagogical Academy. Marianna combines her academic expertise with practical experience in our mobile psychosocial support brigade for families with children, which operates within our project with the UNICEF Representation.

She shared innovative approaches to career guidance, emphasizing: “Modern career guidance is not just about introducing professions but also about fostering communication, critical thinking, and emotional intelligence.”

Participants mastered counseling techniques, public speaking skills, argumentation, digital communication, and strengthened their leadership potential and emotional resilience. Each educator received a certificate of professional development, marking another step toward career growth.

“Education is a system, and our approach to educational projects is systemic as well. A significant part of this is supporting educators at all levels, social workers, and managers across the educational chain. At the core is the idea that sensitive sectors like education and social work must fully meet modern challenges and remain relevant. Therefore, we ensure that professionals gain knowledge that enables them to help others,” says Olena Bielolipceva, head of educational projects at NGO “Responsible Citizens.”

Our educational initiatives target those who support others daily: educators, social workers, and psychologists. During wartime, their role is invaluable—they help youth and communities adapt, find stability, and build a future. We are convinced that by providing professionals with up-to-date knowledge and methodologies, we create a solid foundation for Ukraine’s recovery. The training in Kharkiv is just one of many projects that make education a driving force for change.