MTÜ Ukraina Keskus Strengthens International Cooperation in the Field of Refugee Integration
Active participation in international professional networks is an important part of the institutional development of MTÜ Ukraina Keskus (Ukrainian Centre in Pärnu). It enables our organisation to learn from European best practices, strengthen international partnerships, and implement innovative approaches to supporting Ukrainians who have been forced to flee their homes because of the war. On 18 June 2026, Tetiana Podolska, Member of the Management Board of MTÜ Ukraina Keskus, participated in the Baltic–Nordic Integration Practice Exchange & Collaboration Lab in Palanga, Lithuania. The event was organised within the framework of the FOR-IN (Fostering Refugee and Immigrant Integration) project. This marked the third international FOR-IN event attended by MTÜ Ukraina Keskus. The project brings together partners from the Baltic and Nordic countries to strengthen refugee and migrant integration policies and promote cooperation between public authorities, municipalities, civil society organisations, refugee-led organisations, and international institutions. One of the key strengths of this year's event was its highly interactive format. Rather than focusing on formal presentations, participants engaged in open discussions, exchanged practical experiences, explored successful integration initiatives, and worked together to identify new opportunities for cross-border cooperation and partnerships. The event brought together representatives of NGOs, municipalities, government institutions, refugee-led organisations and international organisations from across the Baltic and Nordic region. Among the keynote speakers were: • Annika Sandlund, Head of the Regional Representation for Northern Europe and the Baltics, UNHCR; • Ole Andreas Lindeman, Director of the Nordic Council of Ministers Office in Lithuania; • representatives responsible for integration policy from the three Baltic states: o Anni Tetsmann, Ministry of Culture of Estonia; o Laura Perevičiūtė, Ministry of Social Security and Labour of Lithuania; o Jeļena Šaicāne, Ministry of Culture of Latvia. Participation in international initiatives such as FOR-IN allows MTÜ Ukraina Keskus to share the experience of the Ukrainian community in Estonia, strengthen professional networks, exchange knowledge with leading experts and organisations, and develop new partnerships that contribute to more effective support for refugees. We believe that international cooperation, knowledge exchange and continuous professional development are essential for building inclusive communities and improving support services for people displaced by war.
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10.11.2026From Support to Leadership: RIZA Brings Ukrainian Women Together in Estonia
Read moreDeveloping women’s leadership, protecting women’s rights and strengthening their role in public life are among the priorities of MTÜ Ukraina Keskus.
We believe that women forced to leave Ukraine because of the war should receive support and have opportunities to make their own decisions, put their ideas into practice, lead civil society organisations and shape the communities in which they live.
Throughout 2026, as part of RIZA, an international project funded by the European Union, Ukraina Keskus delivered a comprehensive programme of activities in Pärnu and other regions of Estonia. It combined legal education, psychological support, civic skills, women’s leadership and cooperation across regions.
Connecting organisations, creating opportunities
One of the key achievements was two working meetings bringing together leaders of Ukrainian civil society organisations, representatives of community initiatives and women activists from different towns and cities in Estonia.
We discussed achievements alongside real challenges: limited resources, funding difficulties, organisational resilience and the need for broader cooperation.
Participants shared practical experience, professional knowledge, contacts and ideas for joint projects.
On 9 October 2026, a Memorandum of Cooperation was signed in Pärnu, laying the groundwork for the further development of a network of Ukrainian civil society organisations and women activists in Estonia.
This is an important step from individual local initiatives towards sustained cooperation, mutual support and a shared voice for Ukrainian women.
The event was covered by Ukrainian media, including the Ukrinform news agency.
Knowing your rights: a tool for protection and independence
Another important part of the programme was a series of information and educational meetings on Ukrainian women’s rights in Estonia, available services, safety and opportunities to participate in public life.
Representatives of local government, the Embassy of Ukraine in Estonia and the Estonian Labour Inspectorate, as well as psychologists and other specialists, joined the discussions.
We addressed employment rights, social protection, protection from violence, psychological wellbeing and access to assistance.
Particular attention was given to direct conversations with experts. Participants could ask questions, discuss practical situations and learn which institutions and organisations they could turn to for support.
Positive feedback and women’s active participation confirmed the need for these meetings and the importance of accessible information in their native language.
Strengthening our expertise and international connections
Taking part in RIZA was also an important stage in our organisation’s development.
A representative of MTÜ Ukraina Keskus attended international training in Brussels on civil society organisations’ capacity building, fundamental human rights, European values and mechanisms to address gender-based violence.
The knowledge gained, exchanges with international partners and new professional contacts help us improve our programmes and develop cooperation with other organisations.
Results that last beyond the project
For us, RIZA’s main achievement goes beyond the events held.
It is women’s new knowledge and confidence, stronger community initiatives, established partnerships and the foundations of a lasting cooperation network.
We want organisations from different regions of Estonia to share experience, support one another, mobilise resources together and develop new initiatives.
Our sincere thanks go to all participants, civil society organisations, experts, representatives of national and local institutions, and project partners.
We do more than support women. We help create the conditions in which they can become leaders, change their own lives and shape society.
The RIZA project is co-funded by the European Union.
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09.11.2026Support Aza Nizi Maza: Helping Ukrainian Children Keep Creating
Read moreUkraina Keskus, in cooperation with Sorainen, invites you to support Aza Nizi Maza, a Ukrainian children’s art studio whose creativity and resilience continue to inspire audiences beyond Ukraine.
Aza Nizi Maza is a unique art studio from Kharkiv, Ukraine, where children and young people explore their creativity, express their emotions and discover the world through art.
Despite the challenges of the ongoing war, the studio continues its creative work, providing young artists with opportunities for self-expression, connection and personal development.
In 2026, Ukraina Keskus introduced the studio’s remarkable artwork to Estonian audiences through the exhibition Lost Fairy Tales at the Museum of New Art in Pärnu. The exhibition attracted more than 500 visitors and demonstrated how children’s art can build bridges between cultures and communities.
A Joint Initiative with Sorainen
Together with Sorainen, an international law firm operating in the Baltic States, Ukraina Keskus is launching a fundraising initiative to support the continued creative activities of Aza Nizi Maza.
As part of its Christmas initiative, Sorainen is highlighting the work of young Ukrainian artists and encouraging people to contribute to their future.
Your donation can help Aza Nizi Maza continue creating a space where children can express themselves, develop their talents and find inspiration through art.
How to Support
You can make a donation by bank transfer: Recipient: Mittetulundusühing Ukraina Keskus Bank: SEB Pank IBAN: EE541010011992301223 Payment description: Donation – Aza Nizi Maza
Every contribution matters. Thank you for supporting young Ukrainian artists and helping creativity thrive even in the most difficult circumstances.
This fundraising initiative is coordinated by MTÜ Ukraina Keskus in cooperation with Sorainen. Donations designated for Aza Nizi Maza will be used to support the studio’s activities.
Together, we can help Ukrainian children’s creativity flourish.
22.08.202622.08.2026 Festive Concert “Sounds of Freedom”
Read moreOn 22 August 2026, Ukraina Keskus held its annual concert in Pärnu for the fourth consecutive year, dedicated to Ukraine’s Independence Day and Estonia’s Day of Restoration of Independence. This year, the concert was titled “Sounds of Freedom.”
Over four years, the concert has grown from a local initiative of Pärnu’s Ukrainian community into a larger joint event bringing together Ukrainians and Estonians, cultural groups, civil society organisations, and participants from different regions of Estonia.
This year, the Ukrainian singing group Nadiia from Tartu travelled to Pärnu to take part in the event. Ukraina Keskus was represented by our own groups – Spivohrai and the children’s ensemble Sonechko. An important part of the programme was also the participation of the Estonian folk dance group Tori rahvatantsurühm.
Ukrainian and Estonian songs and folk dances, bilingual hosting, traditional arts, and the participation of both Ukrainian and Estonian groups transformed the event into a space for genuine intercultural dialogue.
For Ukraina Keskus, it is particularly important that this cooperation continues to grow beyond the boundaries of one city. Connections between Ukrainian communities in Pärnu, Tartu and other regions of Estonia create opportunities to exchange experience, develop joint cultural initiatives, and build a broader network of cooperation among Ukrainian organisations and cultural groups across Estonia. At the same time, cooperation with Estonian cultural groups and local communities helps create new connections between people and encourages a better understanding of each other’s cultures.
We see integration as a two-way process: an opportunity for Ukrainians to preserve and share their cultural identity while also discovering Estonian culture and becoming active participants in local community life.
This year’s concert was also the largest in scale so far. Due to heavy rain, the event had to be moved from Rüütli plats to Vabakonna Maja at the very last moment. Despite the weather, the venue welcomed a large number of guests and participants, and the full concert programme went ahead.
“Sounds of Freedom” is no longer simply an annual concert. It has become a tradition around which new partnerships, interregional connections, and Ukrainian-Estonian cultural dialogue continue to develop.
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