Free Volunteer Training Program in Zhytomyr Empowers Support for People with Disabilities

Volunteer Education Initiative 'Dignity in Action: Recognizing the Other' Launches in Zhytomyr

According to Рубрика — Суспільство: A new free training opportunity has opened in Zhytomyr for volunteers eager to support individuals with disabilities and neurodiverse conditions. The program, titled 'Volunteers for Ukraine: Dignity in Action. Recognizing the Other,' offers in-depth theoretical lessons, Ukrainian sign language courses, and supervised hands-on volunteer practice.

This initiative is a collaboration between the NGO 'Youth Foundation of European Initiatives' and the Youth Center 'PROSTO,' funded by Volunteers for Ukraine. Established in 2014, the Youth Foundation has a strong record of community engagement, while the PROSTO center organizes educational, creative, and cultural activities for youth, including those with disabilities and neurodiversity. Created in 2025, the program is now welcoming applicants for its third cohort.

Program Details and Curriculum

The curriculum consists of ten two-hour workshops covering various developmental and learning differences such as:

• Autism
• Down and Williams Syndromes
• ADHD
• Dyslexia
• Dysgraphia
• Other neurodivergent conditions

Participants will also receive training through ten Ukrainian sign language classes. Following the classroom sessions, volunteers complete 40 hours of practical work at the Youth Center 'PROSTO' in Zhytomyr under expert guidance. The program is open to individuals aged 16 to 40, with applications accepted until October 19, 2026. Admission is free but competitive due to limited availability.

The third edition of this program is held exclusively in person in Zhytomyr. On the first day of registration, 69 applications were received. Previously, 176 people registered for the first cohort, with 53 beginning training and 37 successfully completing it to earn certification. Graduates often continue volunteering at PROSTO and engage in wider community initiatives.

“Even well-intentioned individuals can sometimes overstep by doing tasks for others or making decisions without consent. That’s why we emphasize teaching volunteers to respect personal needs, honor individual choices, and foster active participation.”

Irina Yatsyk, Psychologist and Logotherapist

The launch of 'Volunteers for Ukraine: Dignity in Action. Recognizing the Other' represents a meaningful advancement in promoting social awareness and enhancing support for people with disabilities across Ukraine. Educating volunteers is a vital step toward transforming societal attitudes about neurodivergence and improving inclusion and quality of life for these communities. As demand for social assistance grows, such efforts have the potential to spark positive change at the grassroots level.

“Our mission is to develop skilled and responsible volunteers.”

Irina Yatsyk, Psychologist and Logotherapist