In August and September, six blog cafés took place in Chernihiv and Horodnia as part of the “Together We Can” programme.
These meetings became safe spaces for learning, reflection, and open conversation – covering topics from emotional intelligence to gender policy and peacebuilding. Participants strengthened their communication, empathy, and leadership skills.
August 25 – Horodnia
Topic: Emotional Intelligence: How to Understand Yourself and Others
Trainer: Hanna Shcherbakova
Participants learned to recognize emotions, understand their own reactions, and develop empathy. Practical exercises helped them create their personal “map of emotions.”
August 27 – Horodnia
Topic: Psychological Boundaries in Communication: How to Say “No” Without Feeling Guilty
Trainer: Hanna Shcherbakova
A conversation about personal space, self-respect, and assertive communication. Through interactive cases, participants practiced saying “no” clearly and calmly.
September 10 – Chernihiv
Topic: Nonviolent Communication and Dialogue in Communities
Moderator: Oksana Shuba
Participants discussed the principles of empathetic listening, explored ways to reduce tension in discussions, and learned to build dialogue instead of conflict.
September 11 – Chernihiv
Topic: Leadership in Civic Organizations
Trainer: Nikita Strelok
The focus was on a new model of leadership – based on cooperation, partnership, and teamwork. Participants analyzed real cases of community initiatives.
September 23 – Chernihiv
Topic: Mediation and Dialogue Facilitation Practices in Communities
Moderator: Oksana Shuba
The session introduced mediation as a tool for understanding and peacebuilding. Participants learned how to find common ground in discussions and facilitate collective decisions.
September 30 – Chernihiv
Topic: Gender Policy and Peacebuilding
Trainer: Alla Nitchenko
The final meeting focused on equality, participation, and the role of women in peacebuilding. Participants discussed the practical implementation of UN Security Council Resolutions 1325 and 2250 in local contexts.
These meetings proved that community strength begins with dialogue, trust, and a willingness to listen to one another.
We thank all trainers, moderators, partners, and participants for their openness, meaningful insights, and active participation.
The project is implemented by the NGO Human Rights Foundation as part of the “Together We Can” programme with the support of IFA and the Federal Foreign Office of Germany.
