Ukraine launches ‘Ticket to Work’ project to employ IDPs

In addition to providing social adaptation and psychological assistance, the Ticket to Work Project will help IDPs find jobs or launch a private business, Joinfo.ua reports with reference to Interfax-Ukraine.

“We have gathered a strong team, which will identify problems of a particular individual. The project will offer solutions, provide necessary knowledge and skills. Our goal is to give people a fishing rod instead of a fish,” one of the founders of the project Volodymyr Bulba said at a press conference on Thursday.

The Project is comprised of three stages and will run in four Ukrainian cities: Kyiv, Dnipropetrovsk, Kirovohrad, and Sloviansk. It is expected to assist at least 1,000 people. All interested can enroll from April 1 by calling the free hotline 0-800-50-44-10, or on the Internet-portal pereselenez.com.ua.

A number of social centers will provide IDPs with help and consultations, including job vacancy announcements. It is planned to open additional centers throughout Ukraine.

A pilot version of the Project was launched in Kyiv in September-December 2015, Ticket to Work Project Manager Yulia Hrytsayenko noted.

“Upon completion, 95% of participants said their emotional state improved, as well as their self confidence. Some 40% of participants found a job, and 30% completed training courses,” she said.

Ukraine’s Youth and Sports Ministry and State Employment Service are partners of the Project.