DonateSince 2007, we have supported people, helped communities grow, encouraged volunteerism, and worked to strengthen democracy, human rights, and sustainable development.
History
NGO “Unique Country” was founded in 2007 in Zhmerynka by people who wanted the city to have more life, movement, opportunities, and meaning. From a small youth initiative, we gradually grew into an organization working in civil society development, education, human rights, and support for those who need a reliable point of support.
The first years were active, energetic, and youth-driven. We launched media, cultural, educational, and volunteer initiatives: youth radio, journalism and volunteer clubs, festivals, literary evenings, sports events, and open spaces for creativity and dialogue.
We brought active young people together, helped them turn ideas into action, and created a space where they could try, act, and see that change nearby was possible.
Over time, our teams grew as well. Some initiatives became independent, and some participants later went on to create their own organizations.
This gradually led us to a new role — supporting those who work for change themselves: initiative groups, civic organizations, activists, and communities.
Our work expanded to include the development of volunteerism, civic education, participatory democracy, human rights, and sustainable development.
We worked with young people, educational institutions, local initiatives, public authorities, partners, and civil society organizations. We helped people better understand their rights, take responsibility, mobilize resources, and influence change in their own environment.
After the start of the full-scale war, the context changed dramatically. The Zhmerynka community welcomed many people who were fleeing occupation, danger, and the loss of their homes.
During this period, we directed a significant part of our work toward humanitarian, psychosocial, and legal support for people affected by the war. Thanks to partners, donors, volunteers, and our team, we were able to stand alongside those who needed safety, resources, and a sense of support.
Today, “Unique Country” continues to develop in response to the challenges facing the country. Our focus is on humanity, recovery, strengthening people and communities, responsible partnerships, and supporting those who want to act for themselves and for their community.
For us, development is not only about projects. It is about knowledge, connections, trust, and the ability to influence change around us.
Values
Our values help us stay focused in our daily work: in communication with people, communities, partners, and our team. For us, it is important not only to implement projects, but to work in a way that leaves behind trust, knowledge, connections, and a greater ability to act.
We treat every person with respect for their dignity, experience, and choices. For us, people are not simply “aid recipients”; they are active participants in their own development and in the life of their community.
We aim to provide support in a way that helps people and communities become stronger: gaining knowledge, developing skills, finding resources, and becoming more able to act independently.
We build trust through honesty, openness, and accountability. It is important for us to explain clearly what we do, why it matters, and how we use resources.
We do not accept corruption, fraud, hidden interests, or any actions that may harm people, partners, or the reputation of the organization.
We want our work to bring real value, not simply be a series of activities. That is why we work with preparation, care, and responsibility.
We learn from experience, listen to feedback, acknowledge mistakes, and gradually improve our approaches, processes, and results.
We do not promise more than we can honestly deliver. We value the quality of our work, our resources, our partnerships, and the capacity of our team.
We respect commitments, complete what we start, and build trust not through loud statements, but through consistent action.
Team
Board members, Supervisory Board members, members, volunteers, and staff of Unique Country.
Leads the Board and supports the organization’s strategic development. Helps maintain consistency in key decisions, adherence to the mission and values, and responsible governance. His involvement strengthens the organization’s sustainability and its connection between civic initiatives and people’s real needs. With the organization since 2014.
Takes part in the strategic governance of the organization and supports its key decisions. Contributes to project development, partnerships, and civic initiatives. Helps Unique Country remain open to community needs and responsible in its actions. With the organization since 2007.
Trainer, psychotherapist, and manager of social initiatives. Develops areas of emotional support, volunteer coordination, and assistance to people in vulnerable life circumstances. Her work combines professionalism, humanity, and belief in people’s ability to restore stability, dignity, and connection with their community. With the organization since 2007.
Manages the organization’s daily work and represents it in cooperation with partners and donors. Responsible for project management, financial and administrative processes, internal systems, and organizational capacity development. His work helps connect the mission, resources, accountability, and practical solutions for the development of people and communities. With the organization since 2007.
Coordinates the work of the Supervisory Board and supports the development of the organization’s internal accountability. Oversees the transparency of governance processes and the alignment of projects with the statute, policies, and values of Unique Country. Her role helps the organization maintain integrity, responsibility, and trust among partners and communities. With the organization since 2015.
Contributes to the work of the Supervisory Board, internal audits, and the preparation of the organization’s financial reporting. Supports careful documentation, transparent financial processes, and responsible use of resources. Her reliability and consistency help strengthen trust in the organization from within. With the organization since 2009.
Contributes to the work of the Supervisory Board and supports the organization’s development. Has professional experience in employment, job placement, and social support. Her involvement strengthens the organization’s connection to decent work, support for people, and capacity development. With the organization since 2014.
Artist and visual arts teacher, and a participant in the organization’s creative initiatives. Runs drawing and clay modeling sessions for children and adults, helping participants express themselves through art. Her work supports creativity, self-expression, and attentive care for a person’s inner world. With the organization since 2009.
Youth leader and participant in the organization’s cultural initiatives. Developed the breakdance culture in the city, contributed to the creation of a breakdance school, and helped organize breakdance festivals. His contribution helped young people find themselves through movement, creativity, discipline, and the strength of community. With the organization since 2014.
One of the organization’s founders, actively involved in developing its media and youth initiatives. Contributed to the creation and support of Unique internet radio and youth television. His work helped make young people’s voices more visible and the organization’s events more open, lively, and community-building. With the organization since 2007.
Cardiologist and long-standing member of the Unique Country community. Despite a demanding professional schedule, he has always found time to take part in the organization’s work and support its initiatives. His involvement is an example of responsibility, reliability, and care for a shared cause. With the organization since 2009.
English language tutor and long-standing member of the organization. Helped the team communicate with English-speaking partners and contributed to English language clubs. Her work supports the organization’s educational direction and opens more opportunities for dialogue, learning, and partnership. With the organization since 2009.
First aid trainer, logistics coordinator, and assistant project manager. Helps organize events, supports the team, and ensures coordinated project work. Her work combines practical care, responsibility, and teaching skills that can be important for people’s safety and self-support. With the organization since 2023.
Financial manager responsible for accounting, reporting, and project budgeting. Maintains organized financial documentation and communicates with suppliers and partners. Her work supports transparency, responsible use of resources, and the stability of the organization’s financial processes. With the organization since 2023.
Volunteer and friend of Unique Country. Took part in the organization’s events long before implementing her own project. In 2016, she became a co-author of Kino-Picnic, an event that brought the community together and was later continued by the city council. Despite living at a distance, she still supports the team and remains part of the community.
Volunteer and friend of Unique Country. Took part in the organization’s events even before implementing her own project. In 2016, she became a co-organizer of Kino-Picnic, which inspired the community and local authorities to continue the initiative. She lives in another city but continues to stay connected with the team and helps online when possible.
Volunteer and friend of Unique Country. From the early years, she took part in the organization’s initiatives and supported youth events. One of the authors of Kino-Picnic, a project that became a notable event for the city. She stays connected with the team and helps remotely whenever possible.
Economist and long-standing volunteer of Unique Country. Helped the team organize events, manage logistics, and solve practical issues during activities. His involvement supported coordinated teamwork and helped turn ideas into well-organized community events. With the organization since 2009.
Partners and Donors
Organizations, foundations, and programs with which we have developed communities and supported people.
