Together Project
Support newcomers from Ukraine
Together is a Road of Hope project to support newcomers from Ukraine living in Amsterdam. This project aims to provide Ukrainians with tools to deal with their current “in-between” situation, develop relationships and provide important information to promote a possible integration, a sense of belonging and emotional support, enabling newcomers from Ukraine to better reach their potential in the Netherlands.
Together Project Activities
Personal History
Painting 21+
Celebrating Ukrainian Culture
This session will explore the importance of reconnecting with one’s heritage and understanding the impact of cultural loss on identity.
After nearly three years of war, many Ukrainians are exhausted from adapting to new realities, having to choose between staying or fleeing, adjusting to new environments, learning new languages, and coping with the uncertainty of their temporary status.
Through painting, this group offers unconscious therapy, mental respite, and a safe space for participants to express their desires and struggles.
“Cultural Dinners” are four workshops that highlight a Ukrainian seasonal tradition, including food, songs, dance, and the exploration of heritage. A cultural researcher from Ukraine brings her expertise in traditions to these workshops.
The main goal of this activity is to support integration by helping individuals reconnect with their cultural roots. True integration can only happen when people feel strongly connected to their identity and heritage.
This collective journey of rediscovery is essential for both personal well-being and successful integration.
It empowers individuals to embrace their heritage while forming lasting connections in their new environment.
Open Dialogue
Rootless
Kite Workshop
“Open Dialogue” is an event that takes place every two months. Ukrainians find themselves in a unique situation in which they face daily uncertainty about their status while also being expected to integrate into Dutch society. Understanding that the word “integration” may hold a different meaning for Ukrainians, this activity is designed to create a space for meaningful conversations about the complexity of integration, especially for those living with a “temporary displacement” status. It acknowledges the unique challenges and uncertainties of such circumstances and offers a platform for reflection, sharing, and mutual understanding.
During these dialogues, participants will explore what integration means to them, how they can combine their cultural identity with the expectations and opportunities of their host country, and they will be given space to openly discuss the obstacles they face due to their temporary status, such as language barriers, employment challenges, or a lack of belonging.
By providing this open space for dialogue, we aim to engage, motivate, and empower participants to take a more active role in Dutch society.
This activity acknowledges the uncertain situation Ukrainians face and aims to help individuals regain a sense of control. It encourages people to reflect on integration in a natural and accessible way, using imagery and examples from the world of flowers. Through this process, participants are guided in setting healthy boundaries, building self-confidence, and working on self-reflection and self-worth.
The project creates a space where individuals can actively engage with their identity and culture, offering a supportive environment for personal growth and empowerment. Integration is at the heart of the process, as participants are encouraged to embrace both their cultural heritage and their new community. This journey fosters a deeper sense of belonging, enabling participants to navigate the complexities of integration with confidence and resilience.
The final result is an exhibition that not only supports participants in becoming more integrated and visible, but also offers local community members the opportunity to see and accept them as equal members of the social fabric.
An event led by an artist offers an immersive experience centered around the themes of hope, freedom, and connection within the community. Through kite flying, participants explore what freedom means to them while engaging in an artistic activity that encourages both individual expression and collective unity.
Art serves as a powerful bridge for integration, providing participants with the opportunity to express their identity and culture in new and meaningful ways. Together, they work on creating a large, collaborative kite, an artistic joint effort symbolizing unity, shared vision, and strength. This collective creation enables participants to contribute to a broader cultural dialogue, positioning their work within the context of the Dutch art scene and enhancing their visibility within the community.
It is through this creative collaboration and shared experience that true integration is fostered. Presenting one’s art in a new society creates space for connection and recognition, where cultural differences are celebrated and new relationships are formed.
This activity invites participants to reflect on the concept of freedom, not only as a personal journey, but as a collective process of inclusion and visibility.
Contact for more information:
Email: together@roadofhope.org
Coordinator: Alina Bielun
