“Thanks to my determination, I was able to resume my life’s work” — Olena, a participant in the Ukrainian Red Cross Reboot programme

Before the full-scale war broke out, Olena lived in Skadovsk, Kherson region, where she worked as a beekeeper. It was not only her source of income but also a favourite pastime that gave her strength and inspiration. The war forced her and her family to leave their home, farm, and everything they had built over the years.

After settling in Mykolaiv, Olena was determined to rebuild her business. Seeking support, she learned about the “Reboot: Expanding Employment Opportunities” programme, which is being run in the region by the Ukrainian Red Cross with support from the Spanish Red Cross and the Danish Red Cross. By preparing a detailed business plan, Olena demonstrated the viability of her idea and became one of the programme’s winners, receiving a micro-grant to restart her beekeeping business.

Today, she is back at work with her apiary, producing honey for the people of the Mykolaiv region, regaining not only her business but also her sense of balance and purpose.