The Russian invasion of Ukraine has wreaked havoc across the region. Livelihoods have been destroyed, causing many Ukrainians to leave their homeland to seek refuge in countries like Bulgaria. Ukrainians face the difficult task of rebuilding their lives. But thanks to a new project, building a new life is made much easier. 

With support from the European Social Fund (ESF) and the Recovery Assistance for Cohesion and the Territories of Europe (REACT-EU), the ‘Solidarity’ project aims to help Ukrainians settle into Bulgarian life by making it easier for them to find a job. The project also provides accommodation and financial support as well as workshops to develop job skills.  

Tatiana is one of many to have benefited from the project. In Ukraine she worked as an accountant, so the project put her in contact with the National Employment Agency who found her a position in accounting.  

‘I am so glad that we started to get along very quickly with the team,’ she says. ‘It is so fulfilling to do the job I have the skills and the experience for.’ 

‘Solidarity’ opened the pathway for Tatiana to continue her profession. She feels fulfilled and plans to remain with the company she was placed with as an accountant.  

Svitlana was a doctor in Ukraine. In the medical centre where she worked, she had been pioneering a ‘telemedicine’ approach to conduct remote patient examinations. Thanks to the project, Svitlana was able to continue practicing. ‘I am happy I got the opportunity to develop my skill in my professional field here in Bulgaria.’  

From her new base in Bulgaria, she continues to popularise the telemedicine approach, especially among the Ukrainian refugee patient population. The 'Solidarity’ project provided Svitlana with the opportunity to develop her skills with access to high level equipment.

‘I have the chance to work with even better medical equipment than I used to in Ukraine. I want to stay here and continue my work!’ 

Over 9 000 Ukrainian refugees are to benefit from the services provided by the 'Solidarity' project. It is never easy escaping the trauma of war, but a strong focus on helping people find work can help Ukrainians settle into their new lives.