Vidnova Plus
Vidnova Plus is tailored to people from Ukraine who are based in Berlin and Brandenburg. Our programs offer local support, opportunities for engagement, and spaces for dialogue to strengthen participation and foster collaboration in the new context.
Vidnova Engagement
Vidnova Engagement provides tools and spaces for people from Ukraine based in Berlin and Brandenburg to take an active role in their local communities. The program focuses on strengthening social, communication, and project management skills, while offering mentorship to support the new or existing initiatives.
Vidnova Dialogue
Vidnova Dialogue brings together representatives from Ukrainian and German communities in Berlin and Brandenburg, creating opportunities for meaningful exchange through a series of engaging networking events.
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Podcast Workshops
Vidnova Plus brings stories to life through a podcast workshop series, sharing the voices and experiences of the Ukrainian community in Berlin and Brandenburg. Each episode sparks dialogue, inspires action, and celebrates people that make a real difference.
Vidnova Plus Participation Quiz
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FAQ
Your Frequently Asked Questions
What is Vidnova Plus?
Vidnova Plus is a program for people from Ukraine who live in Berlin and Brandenburg and want to develop their own initiatives, volunteer, strengthen their civic engagement, and build cooperation between Ukrainian and German communities.
Why does the program operate only in Berlin and Brandenburg?
Who can participate in the program?
- People from Ukraine who live and are officially registered in Berlin or Brandenburg
- Aged 18 or older
- There is no upper age limit
- Interested in developing initiatives, volunteering, or fostering cooperation between communities
- Ready to provide copies of documents confirming residence status and registration*
*Why do we ask for these documents? And what about the protection of personal data?
Our program is funded by the European Union, which means that the use of funds is subject to strict transparency and audit requirements. The donor requires confirmation that the participants are indeed people for whom the program is intended, and that opportunities are distributed as widely as possible rather than repeatedly provided to the same individuals.
For this reason, we ask participants to provide documents confirming their residence status and place of registration.
At the same time, the processing of personal data is carried out in accordance with the EU General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR). This means that:
- documents are used exclusively to confirm eligibility for participation in the program and for reporting to the donor;
- access to these documents is limited to authorized members of the project team;
- data are not shared with third parties, except in cases of official project verification by donors or auditors;
- documents are stored securely and only for the period necessary for financial reporting, after which they are deleted in accordance with data protection regulations.
In which language is the program conducted?
What are the components of the program?
Vidnova Plus Engagement – training and mentoring support for participants who want to implement their own small community project or volunteer with organizations in Berlin or Brandenburg.
Vidnova Plus Dialogue – facilitated networking events that bring together Ukrainian and German communities for learning, exchange, collaboration, and the development of initiatives, projects, or volunteering activities.
Vidnova Plus Podcast / podcast workshops – a format that helps participants learn how to use audio as a tool for influence and amplify the voice of the Ukrainian community.
Peer-to-peer – a format where participants exchange experiences of migration and civic engagement and share practical insights and life hacks.
Is it possible to participate in several program components?
Participation has the following limitations:
- Participants in Vidnova Plus Engagement cannot participate in the Podcast track (and vice versa).
- Participants in Peer-to-peer cannot participate in Vidnova Plus Engagement or Vidnova Plus Podcast.
- Vidnova Plus Dialogue is open to everyone, regardless of whether they are part of Engagement, Podcast, or Peer-to-peer.
In summary, Engagement, Podcast, and Peer-to-peer are mutually exclusive formats, while Dialogue is an open platform for broader participation.
Is participation free of charge?
Yes, participation is free of charge. Vidnova Plus is created and implemented by Commit gGmbH and funded by the European Union.
Can I receive an official letter for the Jobcenter or my employer?
Yes, we can provide an official confirmation letter upon request.
Will participants receive a certificate?
Yes, participants will receive a certificate if they attend at least 90% of the sessions within Vidnova Plus Engagement, Vidnova Plus Podcast, or Vidnova Plus Dialogue.
The Peer-to-peer format does not include certification.
Does the program provide support for learning German or finding a job?
No, the program does not offer direct support for language learning or employment. However, active participation during and after the program helps develop skills, expand networks, and positively contributes to integration.
Does the program provide financial support for developing initiatives or organizations?
No, the program does not provide direct financial support. However, participants receive informational support about grant opportunities from program partners.
What is meant by “implementing your own small community project or volunteering in organizations in Berlin or Brandenburg”?
This refers to the opportunity to launch your own initiative within your community or to join the activities of an existing organization. Examples of small community projects include organizing a neighborhood gathering, a Sprachcafé, workshops, meetups, sports or thematic events. These are small-scale initiatives aimed at bringing people together, strengthening community ties, and encouraging civic participation. Volunteering means unpaid, formal engagement with organizations whose mission aligns with your interests, such as environmental organizations, sports clubs, social or cultural initiatives. The focus is on your active contribution to the development of the community.
Vidnova Plus is created and implemented by Commit gGmbH and funded by the European Union.
