The First ToT4Veterans Held in the Kyiv Region: SD Platform Empowers Veterans to Become Trainers, Mentors and Public Leaders

Its main objective is not only to support veterans but also to empower them to become mentors, trainers, public speakers and leaders of change who can share their lived experience with fellow veterans, local communities and Ukrainian society as a whole.

A distinctive feature of the programme was its focus on veterans with disabilities, particularly veterans with visual impairments, as well as their family members and accompanying persons. The event brought together more than 30 participants, including Ukraine's defenders, veterans, people with disabilities—most of whom have completely lost their sight—and members of their families.

A family-centred approach is one of the core principles of the "Light Within" initiative, implemented by SD Platform in cooperation with the NGO Progresylni and international partners. We firmly believe that successful rehabilitation, social reintegration and a veteran's return to active life are impossible without the support of those closest to them. This is especially true for women—wives, mothers, sisters and daughters—who often carry the greatest physical and emotional burden throughout the treatment, rehabilitation and adaptation process.

Over the course of three days, participants developed their public speaking skills, strengthened their communication abilities, learned methodologies for designing and delivering training sessions, explored facilitation techniques, inclusive training approaches and energisers, and practised creating and presenting their own training exercises. Particular emphasis was placed on practical learning, peer-to-peer exchange, teamwork and sharing personal experiences.

One of the most valuable components of the programme was the hands-on practice of public speaking. For many veterans participating in the "Light Within" initiative, this was much more than a communication training—it was an opportunity to gain confidence in presenting themselves and representing their community in the public sphere.

During the practical sessions, participants recorded video messages, practised speaking on camera and learned how to communicate effectively with journalists and the media while clearly and confidently advocating for the needs of the veteran community. Special attention was given to promoting accessibility, creating barrier-free environments and advancing inclusive infrastructure. These communication skills will enable veterans to better advocate for their rights, participate in public discussions and contribute to decision-making processes.

Another highlight of the programme was that many practical sessions were conducted outdoors in the scenic surroundings of the Kyiv Sea. This setting created a comfortable and inspiring atmosphere for communication, video recording and building confidence in public speaking. It also offered participants an opportunity not only to learn but also to recover emotionally, support one another and build lasting friendships.

We believe that veterans themselves are best placed to speak about rehabilitation, adaptation, inclusion and the journey back to active civilian life. Preparing veterans to become trainers, mentors and public speakers therefore creates new opportunities to strengthen the veteran community, share practical experience and contribute to the development of a modern and progressive veterans' movement in Ukraine.

The ToT4Veterans programme marks the first step towards establishing a network of veteran trainers who will go on to deliver training sessions, speak to diverse audiences, engage with young people, local communities, public authorities and the media, while helping fellow veterans navigate their own path of recovery and reintegration into society.

We sincerely thank all participants for their trust, openness, mutual support and commitment to personal growth. We are also deeply grateful to the Max van der Stoel Foundation for supporting this innovative initiative. Together, we are creating new opportunities for those who defended Ukraine and helping veterans not only recover but also become leaders of positive change in their communities.