Knowledge by, for and about newcomers
Knowledge by, for and about newcomers
Civil Society Hubs
Opora Foundation
2024–2025
Action research, learning environment
Together with the Opora Foundation, we support the self-organization and sustainability of Ukrainian Civil Society Hubs and local community leaders in the Netherlands. These community leaders often work at the intersection of humanitarian aid, integration, cultural preservation, and education. At the same time, they face overload, uncertainty, and a lack of access to targeted knowledge and networks.
The project combines training, exchanges between participants, mentoring, design sessions, and adjustments based on action research. The goal is to create a safe and connected space for leaders who are working on community building in difficult circumstances.
Action research allows us not only to monitor the program, but also to improve it together with the participants. This approach enables the program to adapt to the changing needs of the participants. In addition, we test models that can also be used in other countries or contexts.
Responding to changing needs took more time than expected, and clear planning and structure were crucial. In addition, differences in motivation required adapted communication. Accessible speakers who explained things clearly had more impact than experts who focused purely on content.
• Network of active Ukrainian leaders and initiatives.
• Participants feel stronger, more professional, and clearer in their roles.
• New initiatives, such as a summer camp, cultural festival, and Civil Society Hub accelerator.
• Exchange between participants led to in-depth learning and new insights. Leadership was redefined: not as "heroic work," but as shared responsibility.
This project became more than just a training course — it grew into a living platform for collaboration, knowledge exchange, and leadership development. For the future, the team is considering a practical toolkit, a peer learning structure, a civil society hub accelerator, and knowledge sharing. This approach demonstrates that when you build a learning environment with and for community leaders, you not only create knowledge — you strengthen resilience, collaboration, and initiative. This model can also be applied in other countries and contexts.
