Topic: Responding to communities’ urgent needs

In spring 2022, as uncertainty loomed across Ukraine, Olena and her team at the Charity Fund Radomyshl is our Home launched a powerful community initiative – Victory Gardens of Radomyshl Hromada. Implemented from May to October 2022, the project aimed to help residents and displaced individuals turn every available plot of land into a source of food, stability, and solidarity. “The idea was simple but powerful,” said Olena. “If each family could grow even a small garden, it would not only bring food to the table but also hope and a sense of agency during a time of crisis.”

The project reached 490 internally displaced people and low-income families – providing them with seed kits and access to land for cultivation. Residents quickly rallied behind the effort, transforming the initiative into a symbol of collective strength. To bring the community closer together, a large flower-planting event was organized at the heart of the town. Over 200 local residents – including children, teachers, community group members, and employees of local enterprises – gathered to plant 1,100 flowers in Cathedral Square and at the Glory Memorial. Children were also actively involved through a series of environmental master classes, where nearly 100 young participants between the ages of 6 and 14 learned about sustainable practices, nature, and gardening. These workshops gave children hands-on experiences while encouraging curiosity and connection to the environment.

Olena emphasized that the true success of the project lay in the community spirit it sparked: “People liked the project activities so much that they’re already asking if we’ll continue next year. I think what worked best was bringing people together around a common goal. We had a strong team of like-minded individuals and clear planning—right down to the packaging of seed kits and organizing the award ceremony.”

Beyond the immediate impact, the project also laid the foundation for future initiatives. New connections were formed with environmental organisations and local producers – at least five local manufacturers offered their support, helping streamline implementation.

Looking ahead, Olena is planning a School Garden project to involve children in agricultural activities and meaningful leisure time. She’s also committed to helping others access similar opportunities: “I’m currently organising informal meetings and trainings to help more active residents of my hometown take part in European programs. International support is more important than ever—for our communities and for every person in Ukraine.”

The Victory Gardens of Radomyshl Hromada became more than just a gardening effort—it was a movement rooted in resilience, cooperation, and a shared vision of recovery.