Buddy Programme for Ukraine
The Buddy Programme for Ukraine builds friendships between Ukrainians and locals through meetups and events. The programme is currently paused.
The programme
On this page
Key facts
- The Buddy Programme for Ukraine connects Ukrainians with locals through one-on-one pairings and group events to foster friendships and cultural exchange.
- Activities include casual meetups for coffee or sports and organised group events like city walks, cultural outings, and shared dinner exchanges.
- The programme is currently paused and is not accepting new participants or volunteers.
Embrace Friendship:
About the Buddy Programme for Ukraine
The programme is currently paused and is not accepting new participants or volunteers.
The Buddy Programme for Ukraine is an initiative designed to help Ukrainians feel at ease and welcome in their new surroundings while offering locals an opportunity to help others while making new friends.
The programme builds the exchange of cultural insights, language skills, hobbies, and other interests while building friendships. It connects Ukrainians with locals through digital and in-person meetups, with activities that build new connections and cross-cultural understanding.
Here is an overview of what the programme does:
One-on-One Meetups
We pair each participant with a buddy with similar interests and goals, encouraging connections and support. Buddies meet regularly for casual activities like grabbing a coffee, exploring local attractions, playing sports, or exchanging language skills.
Community Building
The Buddy Programme for Ukraine focuses on community building. We organise group events that highlight local culture and Ukrainian themes, building cross-cultural connections. On nature and city walks organised by TEEI, participants explore local landscapes, attend cultural events, or join a dinner exchange that brings local and Ukrainian families together over shared meals and traditions. These events build new friendships and help participants feel more connected to their local community.
Support and Organisation of Events
Alongside pairing participants with buddies and hosting regular group events, we support and organise local activities. Through these events, we bring participants together, build cultural exchange, and create opportunities for new connections.
For participants who want to develop career prospects alongside cultural integration, the TEEI Mentorship programme connects 2,000+ displaced Ukrainians with 400+ professional mentors who can guide their job search in European labour markets. Many participants also benefit from TEEI Language, where free 1-to-1 conversation sessions build the language confidence that buddy conversations begin. The employment barriers that make both these programmes so necessary are documented in the analysis of employment among Ukrainian refugees.