“Home is where people are”: the Festival of IDP Communities was held in Kyiv 

“Each of us contains both a storm of affairs and peace. And the most valuable thing is our experience. That is why we have gathered today: to share this, to support each other, maybe just to hug and be together.” — Anna Smakula, “Strengthening IDP Communities in Central and Western Regions of Ukraine” project manager.

On October 25, the Festival of Internally Displaced Persons (IDP) Communities was held in Kyiv, organized by NGO “CrimeaSOS” with the support of the United Nations Refugee Agency (UNHCR).

The event gathered over 180 participants from 14 regions of Ukraine — leaders, activists, public figures, and partners working to support and develop IDP Communities. 

The Festival became a meeting place for people believing that “home” is not just a place, but a community, mutual support, and belief in change. Participants shared experiences, inspiration, and their stories — from taking their first steps in a new city to creating strong and caring communities.

The event was opened by Anna Smakula, the “Strengthening IDP Communities in Central and Western Regions of Ukraine” project manager. After the welcoming remarks, warm greetings from the regional coordinators and the project team — people who work alongside communities in different parts of the country every day — were broadcast on the screen.

Speeches of speakers were the inspiration for the day: head of the NGO “Faynadiya” Alina Atamas, founder and head of the board of the CF “Zaporuka” Natalia Onipko, and psychologist Yuliia Didula. They spoke about leadership without ideal conditions, about values ​​that lead forward, and about the importance of taking care of oneself in order to have the strength to support others. 

An important part of the program was an info session from UNHCR in Ukraine, conducted by Lidiia Kuzmenko, Protection Advisor. Her words became the leitmotif of the day: “It takes a whole village to raise a child. And it takes a community to protect a child.”

The block “Let’s Talk About Crimea” by Mila Shevchenko, co-coordinator of the NGO “CrimeaSOS”, was particularly touching. She reminded that Crimea is not just a place on the map, but a memory, culture, and a home that lives in the hearts of people.

At the end of the Festival, participants immersed themselves in a creative atmosphere — getting to know each other, participating in master classes, and presenting their own works and ideas at exhibitions. This day became a reminder that even small steps can create big changes, and joint action can give rise to strength and inspiration.

The organizers expressed their gratitude to everyone who joined the event, and especially to the internally displaced communities who became the heart of this journey. New ideas, initiatives and opportunities for development are born thanks to them.

“We are proud of each and every one of you, every small victory, initiative, idea. Because it doesn’t matter which city you started from — what matters is that together we create a community where there is a place for everyone,” —the organization noted. 

The Festival took place within the framework of the project “Strengthening IDP Communities in Central and Western Regions of Ukraine”, which is implemented by NGO “CrimeaSOS” with the support of the United Nations Refugee Agency (UNHCR). The project aims at developing the capacity of leaders and communities of internally displaced persons, building social cohesion, and strengthening local communities.