More than three years after Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine, millions of Ukrainians continue to face profound challenges both at home and abroad. Today, over 100,000 Ukrainians have sought refuge in the Netherlands, with many still grappling with uncertainty about their future. While safe from direct conflict, newcomers often carry deep emotional wounds, feelings of guilt for having left, and the heavy responsibility of supporting loved ones back home. Many are rebuilding their lives from scratch — learning a new language, finding work, and trying to integrate into a society that is new and unfamiliar.
At Road of Hope (ROH), we believe emotional well-being is the foundation for successful integration. That is why we are proud to announce the new season of the Together project, created specifically for newcomers from Ukraine living in Amsterdam North.
After two successful editions, the Together Project is entering its third round, and for the first time, activities are taking place in Amsterdam-Noord. In previous seasons (2022–2024), the project was based in Amsterdam Nieuw-West, where it built a consistent experience of support for the Ukrainian community. With this move to a new location, Together continues its mission of reaching the newcomers where they live and build community.
“The main goal of this season for the residents of Botel is to return to their roots, restore their identity, understand their emotions and release them through art, which will allow them to heal and be visible in society and integrate healthily into any community,” says project coordinator Alina Bielun.
This season, the project embraces themes of calmness, acceptance, and self-expression. Through a rich program of creative and cultural activities, participants will learn to recognize their emotions, accept themselves without judgment, and take proactive steps toward integration.
Get to know a bit about our activities:
Painting 21+
Led by Ukrainian volunteer and artist Olena Havrylenko, Painting 21+ provides a unique space where creativity meets unconscious emotional support. Many Ukrainians carry a survival mentality and stigma around mental health support, a legacy of Soviet history. Here, participants can safely express struggles and dreams through art, without pressure or judgment.
When: From April to early December, almost every Tuesday, starting on April 29 at 11:30 – TreeHouse “Workshop area”.
Please, contact the coordinator for more information: alina.bielun@roadofhope.org
Kite of Transformation
Artist Rienke Enghardt invites participants to a profound conversation about freedom, culminating in a symbolic act of flying a collective kite at the beach in The Hague. This project encourages reflection, healing, and the celebration of resilience.
When: Discussion on May 1 at IJver; Beach trip on May 5.
Cultural Dinners
Led by a Ukrainian cultural researcher, these five workshops celebrate Ukrainian traditions through food, music, dance, and storytelling. Beyond sharing meals, participants explore the importance of cultural identity in building a strong foundation for integration.
When: First session on May 15 at Botel.
Open Dialogues
Every two months, Open Dialogues provide space for meaningful conversations about the complexities of integrating into a new society while living with temporary status — a unique reality for many Ukrainians.
Rootless
Rootless invites participants to explore the theme of belonging through the metaphor of flowers. Initiated by Alina Bielun in 2023, the project concludes with a public exhibition where newcomers share their journeys with the broader community, making their presence visible and recognized.
Building foundations for the future
The 2025 Together project is a sensitive crafted answer to the real emotional and practical needs of Ukrainian newcomers. By addressing not just survival, but healing and growth, we aim to empower participants to regain their confidence and build fulfilling lives not only in the Netherlands but wherever they go.
The activities run from April to December 2025 and are designed for adults and youth currently living at Botel on the NDSM Wharf in Amsterdam.