Recovery starts with people: ISAR Ednannia with EU support is training trainers for community recovery and development across Ukraine

Recovery and community development do not begin with documents or infrastructure. It begins with people who know how to support change – how to help articulate an idea, bring together different stakeholders, and turn intentions into concrete action.

From 18 to 22 February 2026, Kyiv hosted a Training of Trainers under the “Consultants for Recovery and Development” programme, implemented as part of the “Unity for Community” project by ISAR Ednannia with the support of the European Union.

The training brought together 24 representatives of civil society organisations from across Ukraine – professionals with experience in humanitarian and development work and in adult learning. The programme aims to build a professional community of trainers who will go on to prepare recovery and development consultants and support communities in development, recovery, and strategic transformation processes.

Today, communities are in particular need of specialists capable of accompanying development initiatives, helping to structure processes, strengthening the capacity of local organisations, and facilitating the implementation of sustainable solutions. This programme is designed to prepare exactly such professionals.

Participants were welcomed by Asier Santillan, Head of the European Integration, Governance, Rule of Law and Civil Society Section at the EU Delegation to Ukraine, who noted:

“The European Commission recognises the vital role of Ukrainian civil society organisations in recovery and development, particularly in advancing European integration and sustaining resilience during challenging times. This is why we are committed to supporting initiatives like the ‘Consultants for Recovery and Development’ training programme, which builds local capacity and empowers communities to design and implement sustainable, participatory recovery projects.”

The training marked a significant milestone in building a professional community of trainers and consultants who will work with communities across Ukraine.