Kharkiv Association of Community Initiatives Support (ASSA)

The Kharkiv NGO Association of Community Initiatives Support “ASSA” empowers women, children, and youth through education, civic engagement, and community-building. In light of the ongoing war in Ukraine, ASSA has adapted its projects to meet the needs of internally displaced persons (IDPs), providing psychological support, creative art therapy, and integrating displaced individuals into socio-cultural and public life through collaborative activities with local communities.

ASSA recently launched a new initiative to empower local women, including internally displaced persons, through hands-on job training in emerging and nontraditional fields. With support from our Giving Joy grant, the program kicked off with a master class in landscape design—a field that is both in demand and often perceived as male-dominated.

The workshop welcomed 17 women, including five displaced by the war, for a two-part experience. The first session, held at ASSA’s Women’s Hub, introduced participants to the foundations of landscape design: soil types, plant care, proportion, and layout. The second part took place at an active worksite, where women saw professionals in action, handled modern landscaping tools, and even tested them out themselves, challenging the idea that such work is out of reach.

Feedback from participants was overwhelmingly positive, with many expressing interest in pursuing this career path. By introducing women to practical skills in high-demand sectors, ASSA is helping them take steps toward financial independence, renewed confidence, and healing through purpose.

This pilot project is just the beginning. The grant has helped ASSA expand its services and reach in Kharkiv, strengthening relationships with private companies and local government agencies. Looking ahead, the team is planning new workshops, including one on humanitarian demining, a newly relevant and socially impactful profession, and another in the IT field.

ASSA is also building a database of local employers and exploring future offerings like in-house training courses, career counseling, and entrepreneurship accelerators to support women who want to launch their own ventures.

Amid conflict and uncertainty, the women of Kharkiv are not only surviving, they’re learning, building, and growing. With continued support, ASSA is committed to helping them reclaim their futures, one skill at a time.