U-Connect Academy

Ukreate Hub invites Ukrainian women with or without kids from across Lithuania to join U-Connect Academy – a free integration programme built around growth, emotional support, and community with real impact.

Apply by 18 July 2026 and take the first step towards a stronger, more connected life in Lithuania.

Registration: https://forms.gle/YMGWNV41EsNZi2Hb7

What Is U-Connect Academy?

Four years into displacement, many Ukrainian women in Lithuania are still searching for their footing — navigating a new language, raising children alone, and rebuilding a life far from home. Access to real support, especially outside Vilnius, remains limited.

U-Connect Academy was built to change it.

Starting on 8th September 2026 (the first cycle), the programme brings together Ukrainian women and their children in public libraries across Vilnius, Panevėžys, and Utena – creating a space to breathe, grow, and connect with others who truly understand the journey.

What Awaits You?

By joining U-Connect Academy, you will benefit from a 6 month programme that combines practical skills, emotional support, and community:

For women:

8 weekly training sessions (Thursdays, 4:00–7:00 PM) on self-confidence, personal growth, belonging and active participation in community life in Lithuania;
5 group psychotherapy sessions with experienced specialists
3 hours of individual coaching sessions tailored to your personal goals;
Workshop to design and launch your own community initiative;
Community events co-organised with librarians for Ukrainian and Lithuanian families.

For children and youth:

Ages 10–18: at least 5 creative workshops in robotics, 3D design, digital technology, photography, and filmmaking – building creativity, collaboration, and innovation skills [the program will be announced soon];
Children under 10: meaningful childcare activities on site during women’s sessions.

Practical support included:

Free participation – no fees at any stage;
Childcare on site for children under 10 so you can focus entirely on the programme;
The program will primarily be conducted in Ukrainian, but additional language support may be used if needed and possible;
Snacks for you and children during sessions;
Covered travel expense for participants coming to opening and closing event in Vilnius from Utena and Panevėžys;
Certificate of programme completion.

Programme Sessions

The programme runs from September to December 2026, with a closing phase in January–February 2027.

18 July 2026 – Application deadline
8 September 2026 – Opening event – Martynas Mažvydas National Library, Vilnius
17 September– 10 December 2026 – 13 weekly session on Thursdays, 4:00–7:00 PM (8 weekly training sessions + 5 group psychotherapy sessions (schedule will be added here soon))
January–February 2027 – Individual coaching sessions + Closing event / Ideation workshop
February 2027 – Community events in libraries co-organised by participants and librarians
Thursday sessions take place simultaneously in three cities every Thursday, with a lecturer online and participants in-person at their local library.

Training topics [will be confirmed soon]:

Self-Awareness and Personal Resilience. Knowledge and Self-Diagnosis about personal social – emotional growth;
Values and Inner Leadership: Self-diagnostic and knowledge about Inner Leadership type, strengths, and areas to grow;
Belonging, Identity, and Community: Community, principles, and stages of its development; belonging and identity;
Dialogue, Communication, and Human Connection: Dialogical way of thinking; knowledge and practice;
Recognizing Strengths and Leadership Potential. Strengths and leadership potential—self-assessment and awareness of where to grow;
Women’s Voice, Participation, and Community Leadership. Soft power – motivation to act. Motivation lecture;
From Ideas to Initiative;
Personal Vision and Next Steps.

Where Does the Programme Take Place?

Activities for women and their children are hosted in three public libraries:

– Martynas Mažvydas National Library of Lithuania — Vilnius

– Panevėžys County Gabrielė Petkevičaitė-Bitė Public Library — Panevėžys

– Utena A. and M. Miškiniai Public Library — Utena

Libraries are not just venues — they are active integration hubs and partners in the programme. Their staff will co-facilitate community events and workshops for children and youth.оді.

Who Can Participate?

The programme is open to Ukrainian women residing in Lithuania, with or without children.

Priority is given to women facing one or more of the following situations:

Currently unemployed or working in a position below your qualification level
Sole provider for your family
Raise children or provide care for elderly family members
Limited Lithuanian or English language skills
Experiencing social isolation, especially in smaller cities
Spouse serving as military personnel, volunteer, or veteran

If you do not live in Vilnius, Panevėžys, or Utena but are able to attend the in-person sessions, you are also warmly welcome to join U-Connect Academy.

Children of participants have priority in the programme’s activities.

Children aged 10-18 will be able to register to the creative workshops even if their mothers don’t participate in the program.

What Will You Gain?

A safe and supportive space where you can exhale and be yourself
Group psychotherapy and individual psychological support
3 hours of personal coaching focused on your goals
A community of Ukrainian women who understand your experience
Meaningful connections with local communities and libraries
The experience of creating your own initiative and seeing it come to life
A certificate of programme completion

Information Sessions

Not sure if the programme is right for you? Join one of our free information sessions to meet the team, ask questions, and learn more about how U-Connect Academy works:

11 June 2026 – Panevėžys [more details will be announced soon]

16 June 2026 – Utena [more details will be announced soon]

19June 2026 – Vilnius [more details will be announced soon]

How to Apply?

Complete the registrationform by 18 July 2026 and become part of the first U-Connect Academy cycle.

Registration is here: https://forms.gle/aGZEJ9ztJJve3GGS8

If you have any questions, write to us at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or reach out via our social media.

Partners

Domus Solis – Social Impact Incubator with 15+ years of experience in psychosocial support, emotional wellbeing, and work with vulnerable communities. Delivers all group and individual psychotherapy sessions throughout the programme.

Panevėžys County Gabrielė Petkevičaitė-Bitė Public Library – provides the programme space, childcare, creates and leads children’s workshops and co-facilitates community events in Panevėžys.

Utena A. and M. Miškiniai Public Library – provides the programme space, childcare, creates and leads children’s workshops and co-facilitates community events in Utena.

Martynas Mažvydas National Library of Lithuania – provides the programme space, creates and leads children’s workshops, co-facilitates community events in Vilnius and hosts the opening and closing event.

The project is supported by the Swiss contribution to reducing economic and social disparities in the EU.