Short biography

I am an experienced communications specialist, project manager, civic educator and NGO founder, with over 15 years' experience in Ukraine and the EU. Since 2017, I have been involved in non-formal education and lifelong learning activities. I am currently focusing my efforts on incorporating activism into educational projects, as I believe it is crucial for the future of Ukraine and Europe in general.

My Story 

This is a story about the deep desire to bring people together, inspire action, and empower individuals through meaningful initiatives.

For a while, I lived in a place that felt like paradise on Earth: Galicia, a beautiful region in northern Spain nestled between rolling hills and the Atlantic Ocean. I would often see the joy on the faces of pilgrims who had completed their life-changing journey along the Camino de Santiago. I had walked that path myself several times. Life was good. I had a good job and a peaceful home. But deep down, I wasn't truly free. My beloved Ukraine was suffering, drowning in pain, injustice and war. I felt the call to return and take action. In 2024, after completing a Master's degree in Sustainable Management at the University of Vigo, I packed my bags and went back home to help set up a new NGO focused on social change.

In an era that celebrates economic growth, innovation and inclusion, another urgent need has emerged. The rise of populism, authoritarianism and geopolitical tensions demands fresh thinking and decisive action. We cannot afford to stand still.

As educators, civic leaders and agents of change, we frequently discuss the future, addressing the fears and threats, as well as the hope and potential it brings. We also consider the actions we can take to ensure a safer, more united Europe. Because, in truth, no country stands alone. We are all part of something greater. This brings with it a responsibility to protect transparency, unity and democracy across borders. We must have a clear vision. Educators and civil society representatives from different countries must join forces to inspire a new wave of activism and cooperation.

Adult education and civil society are two of the most powerful tools for uniting communities, especially during times of crisis. They transcend borders and backgrounds, helping people connect, understand each other and work towards the greater good. Adult learning must become an engine of activism, integrated into lifelong learning practices across Europe. It is time to prioritise civic education, social engagement, and peacebuilding in our educational strategies.

So, what can be done? Well, we need to combat the rise of populism by promoting education. Populism often serves the short-term interests of a select few at the expense of the long term. We must teach people to recognise populism for what it is and empower them to seek inclusive, lasting solutions instead. We must stand up to authoritarian tendencies by investing in community education, promoting social inclusion, and raising awareness of the tools available to defend peace, rights, and wellbeing. We must teach peaceful activism, including how to make our voices heard without resorting to violence, how to organise, and how to protect what truly matters.

How can we achieve this? By organising educational activities, such as workshops, seminars and training courses focusing on security, well-being and civic responsibility. We can also launch awareness campaigns that include collaborations with influencers, strong social media messaging and impactful hashtags. We can build community projects that foster a sense of belonging and shared purpose. We can run digital literacy programmes to ensure that nobody is left behind in the information age.

We must understand one urgent truth: the time is now. 

Any further delay jeopardises the freedoms we cherish. Education and civil society have been two of the most powerful forces in European history, and they must rise again to meet today's challenges. Let us act now. Let us take activism to a new level! Let's do it together — united for Europe!