How a multimedia space can strengthen community cohesion

The team behind "Creating a Multimedia Space with an Innovative Educational Computer Complex" became one of the winners of the FUNdraiser challenge. We spoke with team captain Daria Buria to learn more about their project, goals, and the challenges they face.

The team's idea is to create a space where city residents, including older people, internally displaced persons (IDPs), and children facing difficult life circumstances, can learn computer literacy. Daria enthusiastically explains that the project's main goal is to promote social cohesion and support people during a difficult period. The team consists of six people, each with their own mission, all united by a common goal, to create a modern learning centre.

By organising a multimedia space, the project promotes not only learning but also the social integration of different groups of the population. "Our trainings and master classes will help IDPs, older people, and children in difficult life circumstances not only master computer technology but also find like-minded people, support, and a sense of belonging to a community," says Daria.

To support the project and its further development, the team plans to actively attract additional resources, including co-financing from donors and local authorities. Daria notes that they also plan to introduce paid classes for community members who can afford them, which will help ensure the project's sustainability in the future.

Taking part in FUNdraiser gave the team not only financial support but also valuable knowledge. "It was an interesting experience and all completely new to me," Daria shares. Asked about the funniest moment during her participation in FUNdraiser, Daria recalls: "During one of the modules on the theme of good deeds, we raced one another to do good deeds."

As for the future, Daria is confident: "We will not stop; we will only keep working towards results." The team plans to hold master classes and trainings in their space, using the experience they have gained to further develop their activities.

The team faces challenges such as rising prices for equipment and repair work, but they understand that these obstacles are not insurmountable. So their plan is to engage donors and seek alternative sources of funding to overcome these difficulties. Daria expresses confidence in the project's sustainability, planning its continued co-financing and development.

As we can see, "Creating a Multimedia Space with an Innovative Educational Computer Complex" is not only an educational initiative but also a tool for building a strong, cohesive community. The experience the team gained during FUNdraiser is already having a positive effect on their approach to work and further development. According to Daria, this project has become a catalyst for more active participation in community life, along with the hope that they will be able to inspire others to make similar changes.

The "Fundraising Challenge" project is implemented by the NGO "International Agency for Change" with the support of the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) in Ukraine and the financial support of the European Union, provided within the project "EU4Recovery, Empowering Communities in Ukraine".