An Interreg Volunteer Youth in Voznesensk (Ukraine)

I’ve only been here for two weeks, but I can already say how enlightening and enriching this experience has been; and will continue to be! What I’ve witnessed so far is the full dedication and strength of the officers and colleagues at the Voznesensk City Council, as well as the InnoCom project team, local SMEs, and entrepreneurs; all working together to tackle the challenges faced by Voznesensk and the Mykolaiv region.

I am truly amazed by the level of engagement and potential I see in local SMEs. They have ideas, motivation, and a strong desire to find inspiration and ways to overcome regional barriers and connect with the wider world. That’s where I see the effective and continuous support of my colleagues Viktoriia, Alla, and Ira, who are deeply committed to empowering these entrepreneurs with the confidence and knowledge they need to run their businesses successfully. They guide them through complex processes, helping them develop essential skills and become true professionals.

Two weeks have passed since I arrived in this country, and despite the language barrier, the warmth and openness of the local people constantly remind me of my hometown. So far, I’ve already had the opportunity to attend a welcoming meeting for the delegation from the City Council of Ikast-Brande, Denmark, helping introduce them to local SMEs. I’ve also participated in several working meetings alongside my colleagues to support the development of new business ideas.

And what I’ve discovered is incredibly inspiring: innovative and sustainable business concepts, ambitious entrepreneurs from the Mykolaiv region eager to overcome their challenges, and a fantastic spirit of collaboration and healthy competition among all participants. I’ve seen proactiveness, creativity, and a lot of enthusiasm from young entrepreneurs; some of whom, even without speaking English, didn’t hesitate to approach me and try to bridge the language gap. That’s something truly beautiful, and not something I’ve found in every country I’ve lived in.

However, I won’t lie; Ukrainian language is currently my biggest challenge, and I honestly don’t know if I’ll be able to fully overcome it. But thanks to the support of my colleagues and a bit of help from Google Translate (haha), I’ve managed to follow the discussions during the meetings. And because of that, I’ve had the privilege of meeting driven entrepreneurs who not only want to make an impact in their country but are also eager to explore the world beyond its borders.

And now, the real question is: with the help of the InnoCom project, could I be part of the journey that empowers these SMEs to turn their dreams into reality and help Voznesensk open up to the world?

Paula Ruiz is in Voznesensk as part of the Interreg Volunteer Youth (IVY) programme.