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.
Another news
01.06.2026The Ukrainian Centre in Pärnu Expands Its Activities and Launches New Initiatives
Read moreIn 2026, MTÜ Ukraina Keskus continues to grow, creating new opportunities for the Ukrainian community and for everyone in Estonia who supports Ukraine.
Today, the Ukrainian Centre is a welcoming community space where people of all ages can find activities that match their interests, receive support, make new connections, and become part of an active and vibrant community.
During the first half of 2026 alone, the Centre organised dozens of cultural, educational, creative, and wellbeing activities, bringing together children, young people, adults, and representatives of Ukrainian communities from different regions of Estonia. Our work demonstrates that the Ukrainian Centre in Pärnu is much more than a meeting place—it is an important hub for integration, mutual support, community building, and the preservation of Ukrainian identity.
Throughout the year, the Centre has been offering:
🇺🇦 Ukrainian Club for children and adults;
🎨 Handicraft Club;
💙 Women's Circle – a space for mutual support, trust, and inspiration;
🇬🇧 English Language and Culture Club;
🧠 Mental health and psychosocial support activities led by Ukrainian psychologists;
🤝 Meetings of Ukrainian community organisations from different regions of Estonia;
🎭 Creative, cultural, and educational events for children and adults.
This summer, we were delighted to launch two new creative initiatives:
🎶 a Children's Ukrainian Song Ensemble, helping young participants preserve the Ukrainian language and cultural traditions;
🎵 "Spivoche Kolo" Adult Choir, bringing together people of different ages who share a love for Ukrainian music and enjoy singing together.
We are sincerely grateful to every participant who joins our activities. It is through these meetings and shared experiences that a strong, active, and united Ukrainian community continues to grow in Pärnu.
We would like to express our heartfelt gratitude to the Integration Foundation (Integratsiooni Sihtasutus) and the City of Pärnu for supporting our cultural, educational, and integration initiatives. Thanks to their support, we are able to develop new programmes, create a safe and welcoming environment for children and adults, and implement initiatives that help Ukrainians integrate into Estonian society while preserving their language, culture, and identity.
📱 To learn more about our activities, upcoming events, and community life, follow us on Facebook:
MTÜ Ukraina Keskus Pärnu https://www.facebook.com/ukaina.keskus.pyarnu
04.04.2026Stronger Together
Read moreWe are pleased to announce the launch of the project "Stronger Together / Koos Tugevam", implemented by NGO Ukrainian Center (MTÜ Ukraina Keskus) in cooperation with partners NGO Ukrainian Women's Union in Estonia and NGO Ukrainians in Haapsalu during the period 21 March 2026 – 28 February 2027.
The project is implemented within the framework of the GrassRoots programme (VEICAM / "Together towards solutions") and is co-funded by the European Union.
The aim of the project is to support Ukrainian women and families in Estonia, raise awareness of their rights and available services, and prevent gender-based violence.
The project will include a range of activities such as information campaigns, training programmes, and psychosocial support.
**The total amount of funding awarded to the project is EUR 60,000. ** Funded by the European Union. Views and opinions expressed are however those of the author(s) only and do not necessarily reflect those of the European Union or the European Commission. Neither the European Union nor the granting authority can be held responsible for them.
13.02.2026MTÜ Ukraina Keskus has been selected to participate in the international RIZA project.
Read moreThe RIZA project is a large-scale initiative supported by the European Union, aimed at strengthening the capacity of civil society organisations working with migrant and refugee women across Europe. The project focuses on: • strengthening the capacity of local organisations working with women of migrant background through financial support and tailored development tools; • supporting the promotion and protection of the rights of migrant and refugee women, including access to fundamental rights, participation in democratic processes, and ensuring equal opportunities; • building a cooperation network among organisations from different EU countries working in similar fields, fostering exchange of experience and joint initiatives; • supporting the voice and leadership of women of migrant background in public dialogue and democratic processes.
The project manager of MTÜ Ukraina Keskus has already attended the first two-day training in Brussels within the framework of the RIZA programme, organised by Migrantwomennetwork in partnership with Melissa Network and Pangea. Key topics of the training included: • capacity building of civil society organisations; • European Union values and fundamental human rights in the migration context; • different forms of gender-based violence and response mechanisms.
An online learning programme was also presented, which representatives of participating organisations will complete over the course of the year within the RIZA project. This marked an important step in establishing effective cooperation with international colleagues and project organisers. We sincerely thank the RIZA project team and partners from different countries for the opportunity to contribute to this important European process.
