On December 2–3, the HLF team took an extremely important step in Kyiv—it successfully held a Kick-off Workshop for the first 14 partner organizations. This launch was not just an event, but a landmark moment for the development of the entire Help Localization Program.

Almost 60 participants, most of whom were local partner organizations, gathered in a space filled with drive and lively interaction. The Ukrainian team was joined by colleagues from Germany, led by Gritt Richter, Team Lead HLF. The grand opening was attended by Ms. Marlene Braier from the German Federal Foreign Office — an important sign of support and trust in the program.

What was the focus of the workshop?
1. Building relationships. Participants got to know each other, looked for common ground, and laid the foundation for long-term partnerships and mutual learning.
2. Deep dive into the HLF program. The team presented its vision, goals, and expected results, working to make each partner feel part of a larger shared strategy.
3. Practical tools. Interactive sessions covered key areas of work: programming, MEAL, finance, procurement, HR, communications, and visibility. It was a real workshop, not just theory.
4. Expectations and open dialogue. Partners voiced their needs, their vision for effective cooperation, and their expectations for working together.

The atmosphere was extremely dynamic: instead of standard presentations, there were group exercises, individual tasks, and facilitated discussions. This created space for real interaction and the birth of new ideas.

What’s next?

In the coming weeks, the HLF team will conduct specialized training for individual departments of partner organizations. The goal is to deepen understanding of each area and ensure a truly strong start for joint projects.

Together, we are forming a sustainable, professional, and effective network of partnerships—a foundation that strengthens Ukraine’s humanitarian communities and brings the implementation of localization principles closer.