The partners of Phase 2 of the EDF Ukraine response met in Poland (Warsaw and Gdańsk) from 8 to 12 April 2024, The objectives of the meeting included improving the implementation of the programme by learning from each other’s experiences, developing organisational and advocacy capabilities and planning for the future.
The group consisted of more than 50 people, including support and logistics staff, from partners in Ukraine, Moldova, Poland and Latvia, as well as those at international level. External guests and experts from Disabled Peoples Organisation Denmark (DPOD), the German Agency for International Development (GIZ) joined the meeting, along with programme donor CBM International and a representative of the evaluation team.
The Polish Disability Forum (PFON), supported EDF in all logistics and content preparation.
An opportunity to share experiences
The event was designed to foster a strong team atmosphere, support the movement building in eastern Europe and to showcase the successes of partners. This created several moments where partners had the opportunity to learn from each other’s experiences. For example, specific attention was paid to the Polish experience in accessibility, rehabilitation, independent living, and practical recommendations for introducing reforms in the field of rights of persons with disabilities, such as in the case of Poland accession to the EU.
The meeting featured different activities, including:
- Group work sessions,
- Study visits,
- Panel discussions with guests
- Mini trainings,
- Presentations on several topics.
Additionally, the trip to Gdańsk offered a well-balanced mix between work and leisure, which was particularly important for Ukrainian participants, given the extraordinary psychological stress and the challenges of working under wartime conditions.
Testimonials
Participants emphasised that the meeting provided a learning opportunity,follow-up actions at both the country and organisational levels and inspired new ideas.
Some participants wanted to share their experiences with us:
An inspiring meeting that made it possible to adopt experience and introduce opportunities for development in Ukraine.
The impression is bright and positive. We received a lot of interesting and necessary information from the participants, we are establishing contacts, we plan to use the experience gained. Thank you for supporting Ukraine! We continue the effective cooperation of public organisations of persons with disabilities, international partners, and authorities, to strengthen the public movement in Ukraine for the sake of supporting people who find themselves in difficult living conditions, providing them with timely and effective humanitarian support. Thanks to all the organisers!
We have to bring a broader approach towards different people who have barriers. We have to pull them down. I believe we can do it via this project and the future. And for certain we can change the life of people with or without disabilities. Because we are all members of one universe, society, and community. Despite the fact we are living in different conditions, we have the same barriers and the same obstacles