A journey of learning, belonging and collective action
Displacement can disrupt many aspects of life — careers may pause, languages change, and professional networks are left behind. Vidnova Plus Engagement is a skill- and community-building program for people from Ukraine with a fleeing or migrant background living in Berlin and Brandenburg. As part of Vidnova Plus, the program is rooted in the belief that inclusion, integration, and societal engagement begin with connection — to skills, to purpose, and to each other.
Vidnova Plus Engagement accompanies you in taking an active role in societal and community life in Germany by getting involved, building meaningful relationships, and finding your place in local society. You can start your own initiative or join local projects that reflect your interests.
The program provides practical tools for skill development and pairs you with a mentor who offers guidance throughout the process. It also nurtures a supportive community of people with shared experiences of displacement, migration, and language learning — creating space to exchange knowledge, grow together, and build lasting connections.
Created and coordinated by Commit gGmbh.
Funded by the European Union.
Open Call
The call for applications for the first cohort, running from September 2025 to January 2026, is now open.
Contents of this page
Program highlights
Gain the tools to turn your idea into a real initiative and grow your ability to contribute to local communities. Through trainings, workshops, and peer exchange, you will develop:
Practical Skills
Learn how to plan and manage projects, and lead group processes (facilitation).
Personal Skills
Deepen your self-awareness and learn how to take responsibility while actively engaging in community life.
Social & Communication Skills
Work better in teams, handle conflicts in a constructive way, and improve communication across cultures.
All activities are designed around the following principles:
Peer Exchange
Learn with and from others who share similar experiences and values.
Interactive Formats
Participate in hands-on workshops, group work, and real-world projects.
Inclusive Approach
Your voice, background, and perspective are valued and respected.
Who can join
The program is open to people from Ukraine who are based in Berlin or Brandenburg and want to take a more active role in their local community.
This program is for you if:
You are from Ukraine and registered in Berlin or Brandenburg.
You hold §24 status or another long-term residence permit in Germany, such as a Blue Card, work visa, or residence permit.
You have an idea for a social initiative or feel inspired to join and engage with existing initiatives in Berlin or Brandenburg.
You are an adult (at least 18 years old).
Roadmap
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What you can expect
You can participate only once in one cohort. Over four months, you will join a group of 25 peers for an intensive learning journey that includes:
Skill-Building Modules
- Public speaking and storytelling
- Project development and management
- Civic engagement and advocacy
- Communication and media tools
- Facilitation and organizing skills
Peer Learning and Networking
- Work in small teams
- Exchange with local experts
- Build lasting connections
- Regular peer talks
Mentoring
- Get individual guidance and feedback
Outcome of your Journey
- You will have started your own social initiative in your local community or become active in an existing one in Berlin or Brandenburg.
- You will receive a certificate from the program confirming the competencies you have gained.
Main working language
Ukrainian. German and/or English is a plus, giving access to the practical tools and additional connections the program offers.
Why Community Engagement
Integration is more than adapting to a new environment — it’s about actively contributing, shaping your place in society, and finding a community where you belong, making a difference together.
Through meaningful engagement in local life, you build connections that go beyond language or paperwork. Whether joining a sports club, supporting a neighborhood initiative, or helping organize local events, you actively contribute to a shared sense of belonging and mutual support.
This engagement helps form new relationships, understand local customs, and influence the society around you. It creates opportunities for trust, collaboration, and recognition — essential foundations for genuine inclusion.
Our program is designed for those who want to feel like a neighbor, not a stranger. By creating and joining initiatives, it prepares you not only for volunteering, but for being fully involved in local society and taking on roles where your skills, experiences, and perspectives matter.
Contact
If you have any questions, please send a message to vidnovaplus@wecommit.to, addressed to Tetiana and Lisa.
We speak German, Ukrainian and English.
