“For on these matters we should not trust the multitude who say that none ought to be educated but the free, but rather to philosophers, who say that the educated alone are free.”
— Epictetus
The weekend of the “Aybolit: On the Way to Recovery” project was exceptionally eventful and dynamic. Alongside a psychological retreat and horseback riding, one of the week’s key highlights was the two-day business course “Veterans on the Path to Entrepreneurship.”
The sessions were led by certified MOP trainer Pavlo Parkhomenko and psychologist-coach Viktoria Kostieyeva. The team of the Capable and Resistant Program, implemented by the East Europe Foundation with the financial support of Switzerland, also contributed to organizing the training.
In a friendly and relaxed atmosphere, veterans worked on business plans, participated in a business simulation game designed by the trainers, and confronted their fears about starting entrepreneurial ventures.
Business ideas explored by participants included:
- Coffee shop
- Medical office
- Barbershop
- Transportation company
Later on, mentorship support will help veterans take their first steps toward implementing their businesses and applying for grant programs.
Despite a massive missile and drone attack on Kyiv lasting from midnight until Sunday morning, nearly all participants returned for the second day of training—a vivid testament to their motivation. The highlight of the final day was a business simulation game designed to reinforce the knowledge gained during the course.
Such games help trainees model real-world management scenarios, immerse participants in leadership and specialist roles, and develop skills in rapid decision-making, communication, analysis, creativity, and teamwork.
Viktoria Kramarenko, Head of the Wings of Victory Charity Foundation, shared:
“Participating in the game with veterans was deeply moving. We felt the team spirit, witnessed unconventional solutions born under time constraints, and experienced the process from within. This was not just a valuable experience but also a source of positive energy.”
She emphasized that such trainings serve not only as a tool for veteran adaptation but also as a critical contribution to economic growth and the future of the nation.
‼ This initiative is realized by the Wings of Victory charity within the Capable and Resistant Program implemented by the East Europe Foundation with the financial support of Switzerland.
We also express our sincere gratitude to our permanent sponsors, without whom the activities of the project would be impossible:
@RGOW Projekte, Switzerland
@Олесь Клименко та Соня Атлантова
@БФ Святого Мартіна Де Порес
@Partnerschaftsaktion Ost im Bistum Magdeburg, Germany
@МБФ «Сприяння Розвитку Медицини»
@БФ «Час служити»
Stand strong!
