While many are already shifting into the festive rhythm of December, the Voice of Romni team continues to work, learn, and explore new tools to strengthen our impact.

Last week, four representatives of our team joined an advocacy training organized by the OSCE Office for Democratic Institutions and Human Rights. Advocacy Advisor Zinaida Prokopenko and Communications Manager Adriana Kurta traveled to Warsaw to participate in the training in person, while Project Manager Maria Mendzhul and Voice of Romni Regional Coordinator in Kryvyi Rih, Olha Kovalchuk, joined the sessions online.

The three-day program was intensive and designed to provide participants with as many practical skills as possible. Each day focused on a specific topic, with participants analyzing real-life cases and working on tasks in teams.

Such conditions create a strong sense of real-life advocacy work in circumstances that are often beyond our control, yet significantly influence our projects.

Special attention during the training was given to psychological safety, risk assessment, and the personal protection of advocates. This helped participants gain a deeper understanding of how to work effectively while preserving their own resources, taking care of nutrition, as well as mental and physical health.

Last year, representatives of our team had already participated in a similar training, so this time as well we were confident in the value of the knowledge shared by our international partners. The Voice of Romni team returned inspired and ready to continue our advocacy work even more effectively. We sincerely thank the OSCE Office for Democratic Institutions and Human Rights for organizing the training and for the opportunity to grow, adopt new approaches, and strengthen the voices of Roma communities in Ukraine.

Photo: OSCE / Piotr Dziubak