The Ukraine Centre is a Swiss independent, non-political, not-for-profit membership organisation that opened its doors in April 2022. It grew from an ecumenical initiative by three Lausanne-based English-speaking congregations.
Its key mission is to foster the integration of Ukrainians displaced by the war into Swiss society. From its base in the heart of Lausanne and its three other satellite centres in Lausanne and Vevey, the organisation delivers three mission programmes: language learning, professional integration, and personal support.
The Centre relies on international groups of volunteers of over a dozen nationalities, bringing a wealth of skills and experience and an intimate understanding of both Ukraine and Switzerland.
To fulfill its mandate, the Centre partners with public authorities, Swiss-based, Ukrainian and international like-minded organisations. It is committed to strengthening the bilateral relation between Switzerland and Ukraine in a meaningful and mutually beneficial way.
The organisation is privately funded. Its services are free at the point of delivery, and available to all Ukrainians irrespective of their faith, race, ethnicity, or gender.
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Along with Anna Khtema and Tamara Nebodor, Louis Voiron went to present to our friends and colleagues from the Federal Department of Interior, the National Council, the Canton de Vaud and EVAM amongst others, our new language programme now deployed across our 4 Centres in Lausanne and Vevey on September 4.
He stressed our impressive recruitment of teachers and assistant teachers, our twin offer of courses and conversation club activities, and our roll out of apps for continuing learning, all things that would not have happened without the leadership of Margaret Gaughan, our new Vice President, Language Learning.
The following days we were welcoming over 50 additional students into our French and English courses and conversation clubs across our 4 centers. A million thanks to all our teachers, who have joined us years ago or more recently, whose commitment and dedication make our deeds match or exceed our words!
This summer, Ukraine Centre, in collaboration with Y-Voile, organized a unique and inspiring sailing camp titled “Sous les voiles des rêves.” The camp brought together 25 children aged 9 to 16 from our Centre and 30 teenagers from Mariupol, who have found a new home at the Ailes des rêves orphanage in Le Bouveret.
Over the course of the summer, these young participants embarked on an exciting journey of discovery, learning the art of sailing while forming new friendships and building lasting memories. The camp was not just about learning a new skill; it was about fostering teamwork, instilling confidence, and helping these children and teenagers gain a sense of accomplishment and self-assurance in their abilities.
Throughout the camp, the participants were guided by experienced instructors from Y-Voile, who taught them the basics of sailing in a safe and supportive environment. The children and teenagers learned how to navigate the waters, control the sails, and work together as a cohesive team to steer their boats through various challenges.
For many of these young sailors, this experience was more than just a summer activity. It was a chance to escape the difficulties of their past and embrace a future full of possibilities. The camp provided them with a sense of freedom, as they felt the wind in their hair and the thrill of guiding their boats across the water. It also offered them a platform to build new friendships and create positive memories that will stay with them for years to come.
The sailing camp “Sous les voiles des rêves” was more than just a series of lessons on the water. It was a transformative experience that empowered these young individuals, helping them discover their inner strength and potential. By the end of the camp, they had not only learned to sail but had also gained a newfound confidence in themselves and their abilities.
The Ukraine Centre and Y-Voile are proud of the success of this camp and the impact it has had on the lives of the participants. We are committed to continuing our efforts to provide meaningful experiences that inspire and empower the youth in our community. This summer’s sailing camp was just the beginning of many more adventures to come, as we continue to help these children and teenagers navigate their own courses toward bright and hopeful futures.
The decision to donate these costumes stemmed from our commitment to supporting the little ones from Mariupol, who have been displaced from their orphanage. We recognize the importance of maintaining cultural identity, particularly in times of hardship and displacement. By providing these traditional costumes, we hope to offer the children a sense of belonging and pride in their heritage, even as they integrate into a new community.
The Independence Day celebrations in Crissier provided the perfect opportunity to showcase these costumes. It was a joyous occasion filled with music, dance, and shared cultural expressions. The sight of the children donning their traditional attire was truly heartwarming. It not only added to the beauty of the event but also served as a reminder of the importance of cultural preservation and solidarity in times of crisis.
Our organization is dedicated to fostering a sense of community and belonging, and this contribution is just one of the many ways we aim to uplift and support these little ones and their amazing team!
At the heart of the Ukraine Centre is our unwavering commitment to providing a welcoming and supportive environment for all Ukrainian refugees. We understand that the journey to a new country is filled with challenges, from navigating unfamiliar systems to coping with the emotional toll of displacement. Our mission is to ease this transition by offering a comprehensive range of services that cater to the diverse needs of our community members.
Our services are designed to be accessible and inclusive, ensuring that every Ukrainian refugee, regardless of their faith, race, ethnicity, or gender, can find the help they need. We believe in the power of community and compassion, and our doors are open to everyone who seeks support in rebuilding their lives in Switzerland.
The Ukraine Centre offers a variety of services aimed at addressing the immediate and long-term needs of Ukrainian refugees. Our programs are structured around three core pillars: personal support, professional development, and language learning. Each of these areas plays a crucial role in helping individuals not only survive but thrive in their new environment.
Relocating to a new country can be overwhelming, especially when you are dealing with the trauma of displacement. At the Ukraine Centre, we provide personal support services that focus on the emotional and psychological well-being of our community members. Our team includes experienced counselors and volunteers who are trained to offer compassionate guidance and practical advice.
We offer one-on-one counseling sessions, group support meetings, and workshops designed to help individuals cope with stress, anxiety, and the challenges of adapting to a new culture. Additionally, we provide assistance with navigating the Swiss healthcare system, ensuring that our members have access to the medical and mental health services they need.
One of the most significant challenges that refugees face is finding employment and establishing a career in a new country. The Ukraine Centre is dedicated to helping our community members overcome these obstacles by providing professional development services that are tailored to their specific needs and aspirations.
We offer career counseling, job search assistance, interview and pre-onboarding training programs that equip individuals with the skills and knowledge required to succeed in the Swiss job market. Our workshops cover a wide range of topics, from resume writing and interview preparation to understanding Swiss labor laws and workplace culture. We also work closely with local businesses and organizations to create job opportunities for our members, helping them to build a stable and fulfilling future in Switzerland.
Language is one of the most critical tools for integration, and at the Ukraine Centre, we recognize the importance of learning the local language as a key to success. We offer a variety of language courses, including French and English, which are essential for daily life and employment in Switzerland.
Our language classes are designed to be accessible to all levels, from beginners to advanced speakers. We provide flexible scheduling to accommodate the needs of our members, including afternoon and weekend classes. Our experienced instructors use interactive and practical teaching methods to help students build their language skills quickly and effectively. At advanced level, we offer specialized language courses that focus on specific areas such as business communication, which can be particularly beneficial for those seeking employment.
The Ukraine Centre is more than just a place for services; it is a community where Ukrainian refugees can find a sense of belonging and security. We have worked diligently to create a safe and inclusive space where individuals can connect with others who share similar experiences and challenges.
Our Centre hosts regular cultural and social events that celebrate Ukrainian heritage and provide opportunities for our community members to come together and support one another. These events include traditional Ukrainian celebrations, intercultural workshops, kids activities, and social gatherings that foster a sense of community and solidarity. We believe that maintaining cultural connections is vital for emotional well-being and helps to create a bridge between the past and the future.
The Ukraine Centre is proud to be part of a broader network of organizations and institutions dedicated to supporting refugees. We collaborate with local governments, non-profit organizations, educational institutions, and businesses to provide comprehensive support to our community members. These partnerships enable us to offer a wide range of services and resources, from legal assistance and housing support to educational opportunities and healthcare access.
We also work closely with our founding congregations —Our Lady of Faith, Christ Church, and the Scots Kirk— to ensure that our mission is rooted in the values of compassion, service, and inclusivity. Together, we strive to create an environment where every Ukrainian refugee can find the support they need to build a new life in Switzerland.
The success of the Ukraine Centre relies not only on our dedicated team but also on the involvement of our broader community. There are many ways to get involved and support our mission, whether you are a member of the Ukrainian community, a local resident, or someone who simply wants to make a difference.
We welcome volunteers who are passionate about helping others and have skills or expertise to share. Whether you are interested in teaching, counseling, organizing events, or providing administrative support, there are numerous opportunities to contribute to our work. Your involvement can make a significant impact on the lives of Ukrainian refugees as they navigate their new journey.
Additionally, we are always grateful for donations, which help us sustain and expand our services. Your financial support allows us to continue providing free resources and programs to those in need. Every contribution, no matter the size, makes a difference.
As we look to the future, the Ukraine Centre is committed to expanding our services and reaching even more members of the Ukrainian community in Switzerland. We are continually assessing the needs of our community and exploring new ways to provide support and resources.
Our vision is to be a leading resource and advocate for Ukrainian refugees, offering a holistic approach to integration that addresses both immediate needs and long-term goals. We believe that with the right support, every individual has the potential to thrive and contribute positively to their new community.
If you are a Ukrainian refugee seeking support or simply want to learn more about the Ukraine Centre, we encourage you to reach out to us. Our team is here to answer your questions, provide guidance, and help you access the resources you need. Whether you are looking for personal support, professional development, or language courses, the Ukraine Centre is here to assist you.
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As an organization, Ukraine Centre fosters an open dialogue on the war in Ukraine. It does not endorse any third-party opinions and takes no institutional positions on matters of policy.
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