How Ukrainian refugees are building a new life with employment in construction supported by the National Lottery

“We believe that this project is important because it will not only improve the financial stability and independence of the individuals but also positively impact the local communities in Swansea” Says Vladimir Pavliiciuc, founder of CENTER “I, YOU, WE” CIC in Swansea.

With support of a £10,000 grant from the National Lottery Community Fund, CENTER “I, YOU, WE” CIC will launch a new project to create employment opportunities for vulnerable individuals, with a particular focus on Ukrainian refugees. They will be supported to reinvigorate the local community. As the Swansea community welcomed Ukrainians refugees, Vladimir understood that many may struggle with communication barriers in finding traditional employment.

Vladimir says “At Center I You We CIC, we are dedicated to addressing unemployment within the Ukrainian community and giving back to local communities. Even as founders, we have faced the same language barriers and that’s why we took a proactive position to create opportunities for our community.”

The project aims to promote integration and understanding between Ukrainians and locals in the community by bring vacant properties back into use by renovating and repairing social housing and public spaces. The organisation hopes to help ease the housing crisis in the area through the regeneration of social housing and help to rebuild a sense of community. By working closely with other community organisations such as Communities for work, Job centre, Workways and Sunflowers Wales; a local Ukrainian community organization, they will ensure their hiring and support efforts are effective and sustainable in the long-term.

Vladimir talked about the future of the project saying “The funding from The National Lottery Community Fund allowed us to make all necessary arrangements. We are pleased to inform you that we are in the process of securing our first contracts. In the future, we plan to create a website to promote the project and make it more accessible to our community and potential partners.

John Rose, Wales Director at The National Lottery Community Fund, celebrated the organisation saying:

“Projects like these four are so vital to those who have experienced trauma and forced migration. They help people who are new to Wales settle successfully into life here. National Lottery funding continues to support community organisations doing important work through providing vital services for local people. These two awards demonstrate how National Lottery funding can make a positive difference, and National Lottery players can be proud to be supporting communities in this way.”