The war has changed the lives of each and every one of us:
The war has changed the lives of each and every one of us: some have endured occupation, the loss of loved ones, separation from home, or forced displacement; others are waiting for relatives to return from captivity, fighting on the frontlines, volunteering, rescuing, teaching, or offering support. Every story is unique.
At the same time, these differences in experience shape how we perceive one another and we envision our shared future. Without reflection and a genuine willingness to listen, underlying tension grows — weakening our unity.
How can we reduce polarization in society? How can we find and strengthen what unites us? How can we transform our diversity into a strong foundation for the future? The Lines of Unity project seeks answers to these questions. Through research, dialogue, creativity expression, and collective action, we are actively reinforcing the values that unite us and building the trust upon which our shared future will stand.
The project is implemented jointly with EdCamp Ukraine NGO and supported by the Federal Government of Germany through the Civil Peace Service Ukraine — GIZ ZFD programme.
* Data according to the study “Social Cohesion in Ukrainian Society: Quantitative Research” conducted by the Civil Network OPORA in April 2025.
of people in Ukraine agree that Ukrainians have much in common with one another
feel strong emotional connection to the Ukrainian nation
believe that most people can be trusted, while 66% think that people primarily look out only for themselves
Project goal
The project is designed to bring Ukrainian society together, reduce polarization, and open space for dialogue. We work with the diverse experiences of war, helping people listen to one another and discover shared meaning. This work is vital today, as it strengthens social unity in a time of profound adversity. And at the same time, it lays the foundation for our shared future and the rebuilding of Ukraine.
To cultivate a culture of unity as a core value for Ukraine’s future.
This project is for those who are shaping Ukraine’s future
For veryone who, despite air‑raid alerts and constant uncertainty, keeps our learning spaces as islands of safety, resilience, and support. While the experiences of war may differ, yet we are united by shared values: family safety, freedom, inner harmony, peace on Earth, and self‑respect.
We created this space to empower educators to foster open, honest dialogue with students and learners — discovering, amidst the diversity of experiences, what can become the foundation of a shared future. This is how we draw the lines that bring us closer together.
What we are creating?
The project integrates together three directions: research, creative expression, and education. We have explored the values that unite Ukrainians during wartime, collected and reinterpreted living stories in a literary collection, and developed practical tools for educators. This space continues to evolve as we refine it, expand it, and share it further.
Research
In partnership with V. N. Karazin Kharkiv National University, we conducted a pilot study examining the values that unite us. More than 400 educators, learners, and students participated in the research. The findings formed a comprehensive value framework that became the foundation for both the collection and methodological materials.
Collection
The collected living stories have become literary works that reveal the values that unite us. The authors re‑interpreted lived experiences, creating texts that open space to understand another person’s experience of war. The collection is complemented by illustrations from children across Ukraine, curated by illustrator Alina Haieva. It also includes audio version, created in partnership with Andrii Rybin and Propeller Studios, where each story is voiced by professional actors and actresses.
Methodological recommendations
We have developed practical materials for educators that help them speak with learners and students about difficult topics, build dialogue, and foster a culture of trust. The recommendations are already integrated into the learning process: hundreds of teachers have used them, and the Professional Development Module provides an opportunity to obtain official certification.
“United by Values” intensive
Five days, five values, and practical tools for educators who want to empower children and youth to navigate difficult experiences through dialogue.
Hands-on practice, team support, and certification. You bring these actionable tools into your classroom, share them with colleagues, spreading dialogue practices across Ukraine and strengthening society.
We Are Open to Collaboration!
We believe that together we can achieve more, so we invite educators, research communities, civil society organizations, media, businesses, and everyone who shares our values to join the project.
If our mission resonates with you and you see an opportunity for collaboration, please fill out the form. We’ll be happy to find common ground and build unity together!