Media Center Ukraine Producer Department

The Irpin territorial community is implementing a course titled “Training of Civilians for National Resistance.” Since the programme’s launch, 240 residents have completed professional training.

The course lasts five months, with sessions held twice a month. The programme combines theoretical instruction with regular field exercises at training grounds. It covers military technologies, UAV operation, firearms and engineering training, mine safety, and pre-medical aid in combat conditions.

Training is delivered by certified instructors with combat experience who defended the Irpin community during the battles for the Kyiv region in February–March 2022.

Journalists can contact the Irpin Volunteer Formation of the Territorial Community (DFTG) both online or in person in Irpin, by prior arrangement.

• Kyiv

If you are interested in this topic, you can obtain the subjects’ contacts from the Producer Department of Media Center Ukraine.

On April 25, volunteers are invited to join the UAnimals Spring Cleanup.

“For animals living in forests and parks, plastic or glass is not just litter — it is a real danger. We have the power to protect them from this threat. Join us to help clean up four protected areas together,” UAnimals said.

Locations:

• Kyiv — Holosiivskyi Park, Bychok tract
• Ivano-Frankivsk region — Open-Air Museum of the Opillia Steppe, Kasova Hora
• Odesa region — Karagol Bay coast, Nyzhniodnistrovskyi National Nature Park
• Lviv region — border of Roztochchia National Nature Park

Background: Since 2016, UAnimals has been promoting humane treatment of animals and protecting them from exploitation and abuse. The organisation has helped ban traveling circuses with animals in dozens of cities, persuaded designers to abandon natural fur, and contributed to the adoption of several key animal welfare laws. Since the start of russia’s full-scale invasion, its efforts have focused on rescuing animals from combat zones.

• ecology

If you are interested in this topic, you can obtain the subjects’ contacts from the Producer Department of Media Center Ukraine.

The NGO Care Academy (Akademiia Turboty) is presenting its social and educational initiative “Different Together” and its main character, Pascal the Cat, who has a bionic ear and paw.

The initiative aims to foster a culture of accepting differences and respecting others among primary school children.

Visitors can meet Pascal and learn more about the initiative at the Book Country festival in Kyiv.

Schedule:

• April 23–24 (Thursday–Friday): 12:00–18:00
• April 25–26 (Saturday–Sunday): 10:00–18:00

The Care Academy’s mental health space is an interactive zone at the festival, where children and adults can meet Pascal and discuss care, support, respect, and acceptance of differences. The programme features creative, physical, and educational activities led by ambassadors, influencers, bloggers, authors, and public figures.

Highlights include a fitness session with veteran, psychologist and athlete Oleksandr Chumak, who was part of the Ukrainian team that won a regatta at the Invictus Games in Düsseldorf; a workshop titled “Metal Paw: How Bionic Prosthetics Are Made”; “Talisman of Faith,” a pottery session with veteran and ceramic artist Volodymyr Dovhan (DOVGAN-ART); and a masterclass “Friendship Bracelets” by Oleksandra Paskal.

The full programme is available online.

Background: Pascal the Cat is the central figure of the initiative. The character was created by Care Academy in cooperation with Daria Herasymchuk and named after Ukrainian gymnast Oleksandra Paskal, who, after sustaining a severe injury and losing a leg in a missile strike, continued training and inspiring others.

Care Academy is Ukraine’s first online child development platform focused on mental well-being, operating on its own methodology.

• culture
• psychological support
• Kyiv

If you are interested in this topic, you can obtain the subjects’ contacts from the Producer Department of Media Center Ukraine.