Financial Literacy as a Catalyst: How World Vision Is Strengthening Ukrainian Business Communities
Today, Ukraine faces an urgent mental health crisis among its youngest citizens, as the scars of war leave deep marks on their psychological well-being. Olena, founder of the neurological centre Neyrika in Dnipro, describes a troubling pattern: “Children are exhibiting early signs of post-traumatic stress, with many regressing or experiencing developmental delays. We are witnessing an alarming rise in issues such as sleep disturbances, behavioural problems, and setbacks in speech and social skills.”
Since the onset of war in 2022, Olena has observed first-hand the mounting stress spreading through families and educational institutions nationwide. As a child neurologist and psychologist, she felt compelled to respond to the profound mental health toll that the war has inflicted on Ukraine’s most vulnerable.
“In the initial months of the war, I grew weary of living in fear,” she recalls. “And I realised that the anxiety we all felt could be channelled into something meaningful. That was the moment we decided to establish Neyrika in Dnipro, a space dedicated to healing and support for children affected by trauma.”
Launching her practice in early 2022, Olena began with a modest clinic, securing a medical licence and creating a small room to offer correctional therapies. Her initial success was a vital step forward amid mounting chaos, but as the crisis deepened, so did the need for expanded services. Families from different regions flocked to Dnipro seeking refuge, and Olena’s team, comprising a speech therapist, psychologist, and rehabilitation specialist, grew to meet this demand.
“Over four years, we have never closed our doors,” Olena affirms. “Despite the constant threat of air strikes, parents continue to bring their children. Their unwavering dedication underscores the importance of consistent support in their healing journey.”
Ukraine’s private sector remains a critical pillar of its economy, with over two million registered entrepreneurs contributing to a complex landscape of employment and innovation. Yet, recent data paints a stark picture: in March 2026 alone, over 18,000 businesses shuttered, while more than 23,000 new enterprises emerged.
In heavily affected urban centres like Kyiv and Dnipro, many small businesses have ceased operations due to destruction, market loss, and declining purchasing power. Power outages in 2025, costing billions in damages, compelled entrepreneurs to invest in generators and seek innovative solutions to sustain their business.
Olena’s own experience exemplifies this adaptive resilience. “When it comes to taxes, I often tell my accountant, ‘We pay, and we cry,’ because the financial burden has become overwhelming,” she admits. “When my team suggests buying new educational supplies or toys, I tell them, ‘Not until after the heating season.’ These expenses are significant, and every penny counts.”
Amid adversity, Ukrainian entrepreneurs are increasingly turning to innovation. Olena’s journey led her to World Vision’s financial empowerment programme, a decision that marked a turning point for her business. Enrolling in the REACH project’s blended finance initiative, she participated in a three-month intensive designed to bolster her managerial skills and unlock new growth opportunities.
Olena reflects, “The programme was engaging and accessible, especially for someone like me just starting out. Everything was explained clearly and step-by-step; there were no questions too difficult or intimidating. The relevance of the topics made it easy to grasp and apply real-world lessons. It truly felt supportive and encouraging.”
The initiative combined targeted training, mentorship, and financial support to empower entrepreneurs, with modules covering core business skills, ranging from budgeting and customer relations to operational management, supplemented by peer exchange and live coaching. A total of 136 entrepreneurs from Kyiv and Dnipro participated, representing a diverse array of sectors including online education, poultry farming, manufacturing, crafts and others.
Following the training, participants submitted detailed business plans for evaluation by a multi-stakeholder committee. Selected applicants are eligible for conditional grants tied to specific milestones, aimed at fostering sustainable growth.
“Initially, drafting a business plan felt overwhelming,” Olena admits. “But the experience proved invaluable. I learned essential lessons about hiring, maintaining team morale, managing finances, and assessing profitability. It’s about careful planning and thinking ahead, knowing what steps will help your business not just survive, but thrive.”
“My goal is to help people, especially children, and to instil hope in families who have lost faith that things can improve."
Looking ahead, Olena is determined to expand her initiatives. “I plan to seek funding to support my projects, especially to acquire specialised technical equipment that is prohibitively expensive,” she says. “I also want to raise awareness about inclusive education and children’s learning needs, which requires proper funding and support.”
Olena’s entrepreneurial journey is not only about personal growth but also about strengthening her community. By developing her private practice, she has created vital employment opportunities for Ukrainian professionals: therapists, educators, and rehabilitation specialists who are crucial in rebuilding an inclusive society. Her commitment to fostering local employment underscores her belief in the transformative power of enterprise to drive social recovery and stability.
In the midst of her challenges, Olena maintains a profound sense of purpose. “I always remind myself, ‘I have a mission,’” she says. “My goal is to help people, especially children, and to instil hope in families who have lost faith that things can improve. Real change requires teamwork, professionals, families, and communities working together towards a common goal.”
Since 2022, over 1,500 individuals have participated in World Vision’s training programmes in financial literacy, business management, and employability, with more than US$357,000 allocated to support the development of small businesses across Ukraine.
Story and photos by Anastasiia Haviuk, Communications Officer