In Zaporizhzhia, the project "Speak up, The "Speak Up. Veteran" initiative in Zaporizhzhia persists in uniting the community and experts to offer comprehensive support to soldiers returning from the frontline. The project's tenth gathering centered on the issue of veteran employment.
The NGO "Zaporizhzhia. Platform for Joint Action", in collaboration with the regional coordinator of the nationwide mental health program “How Are You?”, organized the workshop.
"With an increasing number of servicemen returning from the frontline daily, the demand for specialists who can assist veterans is growing. These gatherings are vital, as are environments where veterans can access expert and thorough support and aid,” stated Iraisat MAHOMEDALIIEVA, Head of the Regional Development Department at Metinvest Group.
The regional coordinator of the “How Are You?” program, Serhii DRUZHYNIN, emphasized the importance of a comprehensive approach:
“This time we have representatives of communities – both veteran support specialists and administrative authorities. These include deputy heads of communities, community heads themselves, as well as representatives of the employment center, which is a direct service provider and will increasingly work with veterans. There is growing demand for new jobs, retraining, and professional courses, and we must ensure that this process is carried out with the highest quality, in a proper and mindful way, understanding people’s needs even when they do not express them openly.”
Practical cases and experience sharing
The participants of the meeting did not limit themselves to theory – they analyzed specific cases, listened to their colleagues, and shared their own perspectives on problem-solving. The discussion featured both completely different opinions and those that complemented one another.
Valentyna, a representative from the Employment Center, observed: "Through psychological rehabilitation, individuals can gain a clear understanding of their desires. Available options include engaging with the Employment Center or launching their own enterprise."
Her colleague Volodymyr then added: "Once individuals have received psychological support, potentially from the Veteran Pro Development Center or similar organization, they can then approach the Employment Center for help with job searching, new educational opportunities, or training".
Approximately 50 specialists who work with veterans attended the event.
Nadiia ZAIATS, Deputy Head of the Komyshuvakha Territorial Community, underscored the significance of the day's event, stating, "Today's event is very important for us, as the state is paying great attention to veteran policy. Everything related to veterans is still in the process of being developed – both for us and for the state. That’s why such meetings are extremely necessary".
During the event, a particular emphasis was placed on collaborating with employers. Zinaida BOIKO, Director of the Zaporizhzhia Regional Employment Center, stated that numerous employers are currently eager to employ veterans. She highlighted that out of the 67 combat veterans who found work via the Employment Service, Zaporizhstal provided the most opportunities. A new job fair is being organized for Metinvest Group companies to facilitate the employment of more defenders and other job seekers in professions that are in demand at these enterprises.”
Zaporizhstal has launched an extensive program designed to help former military personnel transition back into civilian employment and society. This program operates on core values such as accountability across all leadership tiers, continuous effort, and internal equity. The company is systematically modifying all its business operations to accommodate both its returning mobilized staff and new veteran hires from the wider job market.
A Year of Support and Active Work
According to Serhii Druzhynin, the “Speak Up. Veteran” project is not just a series of meetings, but a comprehensive effort involving all categories of the population.
This project holds immense significance as it instructs participants on how to engage with veterans appropriately and respectfully, involving the veterans themselves, in recognition of their experiences. The initiative caters to a broad audience, including children, seniors, and service providers, encompassing all individuals and organizations currently involved with or likely to work with veterans," Serhii Druzhynin stated.
The "Speak Up. Veteran" initiative, established in Zaporizhzhia last year, was spearheaded by the public organization Zaporizhzhia. Platform of Joint Action, backed by Metinvest and Zaporizhstal financially. This program aims to offer veterans and their relatives a space for discussion, assistance, and tackling urgent challenges encountered post-service.
Since the project’s launch, ten large-scale events have been held, bringing together more than 300 participants – veterans, civil society specialists, and representatives of social services.
The organizers are confident that by uniting the efforts of public organizations, local communities, and businesses, it is possible to build an effective system of support for veterans.
