LocationsMobile teams to extend services to remote communities on demand
Photo credit: Danylo Pavlov / UNDP in Ukraine
Chernihiv, 8 April 2025 — A new veterans’ space has officially opened its doors in Chernihiv, established by the NGO “Sertsevir” in partnership with the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) in Ukraine and the Government of Germany. The initiative has been made possible through a thematic grant totalling over US$80,000. The funding was allocated to refurbish the premises and implement comprehensive local-level support programmes for veterans.
The project was designed to support veterans and their families, as well as the families of the fallen and those reported missing. The space aims to serve as a platform for engagement, knowledge exchange, and the provision of social, psychological, and legal assistance, while also encouraging civic participation. It further supports the economic reintegration of veterans through vocational guidance, retraining, upskilling, or assistance in launching private enterprises.
Mobile outreach teams based at the hub will respond to individual requests and travel to remote communities across the Chernihiv Oblast, thereby improving access to services for those living outside the administrative centre.
In addition, the initiative includes a range of family-oriented activities such as kayaking excursions, national competitions in adaptive sports, domestic violence prevention training sessions, and strategic forums involving representatives of local authorities and civil society. The overarching aim is to establish a durable, effective, and inclusive support system for veterans within local communities.
The German Ambassador to Ukraine, Martin Jäger, underscored the enduring commitment of the German Government to supporting Ukrainian communities in the reintegration of veterans. “Support of veterans’ reintegration, in particular at community level, is an important element of Germany’s engagement in Ukraine.” Mr Jäger remarked. “The space in Chernihiv shows how a community can evolve into an environment of trust, encouragement, and growth for veterans. Such models carry significant potential for replication across other regions of the country.”
UNDP Resident Representative in Ukraine, Jaco Cilliers, highlighted the proactive stance of Ukrainian communities in developing effective veteran support practices. “We are witnessing Ukrainian communities taking initiative and leadership in addressing the needs of veterans at the local level,” Mr Cilliers stated. “At UNDP, we do not impose one-size-fits-all solutions. Rather, we follow the lead of local actors, amplify their efforts, and support the scaling of what is already proving successful. This approach allows for meaningful coordination between local, regional, and national stakeholders, contributing to a resilient and cohesive support system for veterans.”
It is worth noting that a similar Veterans’ Support and Development Centre was previously launched in Poltava Oblast with the support of UNDP and the German Government.
Media enquiries: Yuliia Samus, UNDP Ukraine Head of Communications; e-mail: yuliia.samus@undp.org
