Mykolaiv, 26 November 2025 — A new Veterans’ Employment and Education Office has opened in Mykolaiv, designed to support veterans and their families with employment, retraining, and upskilling. The initiative has been implemented with grant support from UNDP in Ukraine and the Government of Germany. The US$65,000 grant was delivered by the NGO “Agency for Economic Development”.

The office was established to strengthen cooperation between local authorities, veteran associations, businesses, and educational institutions. Visitors can access psychological and legal counselling, career guidance, upskilling opportunities, and advice on starting a business. Support is available to veterans, their families, and the families of fallen service members.

The space is equipped with rooms for individual and group sessions, a children’s area, and a small culinary zone. A dedicated training room is planned for the next phase. The premises were fitted with the necessary equipment and furniture, and a series of educational and psychosocial support activities for veterans and their families were delivered as part of the initative.

Deputy Head of Mission of the German Embassy, Maximilian Rasch, stressed that supporting veterans is a vital part of Ukraine’s recovery. “Veterans return from the frontline with experience and skills that are incredibly valuable for communities and the economy,” Mr. Rasch noted. “It is the responsibility of the government and its partners to create conditions in which this potential can unfold. Centres like this one in Mykolaiv provide access to support and opportunities that help prevent isolation and foster confident reintegration into community life. We are proud to contribute to this process.”

UNDP’s Deputy Resident Representative in Ukraine Monica Rijal emphasised that every veteran’s reintegration journey is unique, and communities are working hard to respond effectively to the needs of veterans and their families. “Our task is to support this process and help build a resilient ecosystem of comprehensive assistance at every stage of returning to civilian life,” Ms. Rijal explained. “The opening of this centre in Mykolaiv is an important step forward. Here, veterans will be able to access essential services, explore new opportunities, and feel the support of their community.”

During the opening event, participants discussed the key challenges veterans face when returning to civilian life and the labour market, and outlined further areas of cooperation for retraining and the development of veteran entrepreneurship.

Additional support for establishing the office was provided by the Mykolaiv City Development Agency, DVV International Ukraine, SOS Children’s Villages International, and NGO “South” Centre for Adult Learning and Education. The total support for the initiative exceeded US$100,000.

Media enquiries:

Yuliia Samus, Head of Communications, UNDP in Ukraine,  yuliia.samus@undp.org