Ilona Havronska visits community centre in Brussels exemplifying self-organisation of Ukrainians abroad

During a working visit to Belgium, Ilona Havronska, Deputy Minister of Social Policy, Family and Unity of Ukraine for European Integration, visited the Ukrainian community centre Ukrainian Voices RC in Brussels.

The centre has become a vital hub for supporting Ukrainians forced to leave their homes due to the war. Its story began in 2022, when a group of activists originally from Ukraine came together to help fellow citizens who had fled the country after the full-scale invasion, assisting them in finding housing, adapting to new conditions, and maintaining ties with their native culture.

Today, Ukrainian Voices RC offers over 100 activities per week, ranging from employment consultations, psychological support, and language courses to a theatre studio and a professional podcast recording space. More than 4,000 Ukrainians visit the centre each month.

“I am always inspired by people dedicated to their cause. The organisers of Ukrainian Voices RC in Brussels are exactly that. Once again, I am convinced that Ukrainians possess an extraordinary capacity for self-organisation – because we know well: in unity lies strength,” noted Ilona Havronska.

It should be recalled that the Ministry of Social Policy, Family and Unity is currently developing the Network of Unity, which will connect both new and existing Ukrainian community centres worldwide.