Training “Path of a Successful Freelancer: Step-by-Step Guidelines”: new opportunities for self-employment for IDPs from Crimea and the East of Ukraine

From May 31 to June 2, city of Skadovsk hosted a three-day training “Path of a Successful Freelancer: Step-by-Step Guidelines”. Organizers – NGOs East European Cooperation (the Republic of Lithuania), Information Resource Center Pravovyi Prostir (Kherson city).

“27 participants were selected on a competitive basis. From 23 April to 10 May, we received 173 applications. We received 7 applications per one place available, which attests to the high demand on the part of the target group – i.e. internally displaced people from Crimea and the East of Ukraine. In the process of selection, we assessed how realistic the business idea was, as well as the potential participant’s motivation and awareness of the implications of freelance. We also took into account their employment and family status and conducted telephone interviews. As a result, a group of motivated participants was formed, consisting of residents of Kherson and Kherson region, as well as other regions of Ukraine”, said Beatrice Belyavtsiv, Director of the EEC NGO.

The purpose of the training was to provide the participants with practical tools for starting freelance work and help them find new opportunities and market niches. For a successful start, you need some knowledge that facilitates the stage of formation, helps to prioritize and organize work, find the best channels, partners and like-minded people.

During the training “Path of a Successful Freelancer: Step-by-Step Guidelines”, the participants received basic knowledge and practical guidance that helped them understand the opportunities of freelance. Thus, the first day of the training focused on generating the business idea and identifying key business plan parameters. The organizers invited the business coach from Lithuania Julia Kubowa, with whom the EES has been cooperating for five years.

The participants offered six business ideas based on the results of their work in groups. Each project can be implemented using the knowledge gained during the training.

The second day was conducted by Natalia Kazionnova, the author of the training, freelancer. The training focused on communication as a key component of promotion and sale of goods and services. “My experience proves that success is achieved by people who come out with offers and actively work through social networks. I saw that participants wanted to stop thinking about mere survival after their forced resettlement from Crimea or the East and to begin living a full-fledged life here and now, receiving a stable income through self-employment”, said Natalia Kazionnova, who left occupied Donetsk four years ago and started her own business.

The final day was held in the open space format by Maryana Zaviyska. The participants learned how to manage their time, create professional networks and collaborative projects, and received the opportunity to show their leadership skills.

“We believe that this year’s training will soon yield results. All participants are highly motivated and ready to use the knowledge gained here to establish and promote their own business. Also, the IDP women have acquired additional competencies in building relationships and interacting with the new environment, self-confidence, emotional strength and positive thinking, which will undoubtedly facilitate their integration into local communities and increase their social engagement,” concluded Beatrice Belyavtsiv.

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For reference:

The training will be held within the framework of the project “Ways of Successful Community Involvement of IDPs: Promoting Employment and Improvement of Intercultural Competence”. It is planned to conduct an information campaign to build a positive image of IDPs, facilitate their further integration and help reduce the stigmatization of IDPs from Crimea and the East of Ukraine.

The project is aimed at facilitating successful integration of migrants into the local communities of Ukraine and social adaptation of vulnerable groups.

The project is implemented by the NGO East European Cooperation (the Republic of Lithuania) in cooperation with the Information Resource Center Pravovyi Prostir.

The project is funded by the Development Cooperation and Democracy Promotion Programme of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Lithuania.