The Voice of Resilience and Synergy: “Remember Together” Projects in Arnhem

The “VilnaJa” community is a space of multifaceted development, empowerment, and active cultural diplomacy. We believe that real change is driven by action. Beyond helping individuals discover their inner strength, we build enduring bridges between cultures, communities, and nations.

For three consecutive years, “VilnaJa” has been the official organizer and driving force behind the large-scale international commemorative events “Remember Together” in Arnhem, held on the anniversaries of the full-scale invasion of Ukraine. Developed in close synergy with the European alliance “Remember Together,” this project transforms each anniversary into a powerful platform for solidarity, unity, and open dialogue.

A Scale That Unites:

Our events in Arnhem have become a traditional gathering point for hundreds of people, bringing Ukrainians and the Dutch community together. We engage the highest levels of support and institutional collaboration:

• Officials and Diplomats: Our events consistently welcome the Mayor (Burgomaster) of Arnhem, representatives of the municipality (Gemeente Arnhem), the Ministry of Migration, and the Embassy of Ukraine in the Kingdom of the Netherlands.
• International Institutions: We actively collaborate with leading international, charitable, and humanitarian organizations.
• The Community: A shared space where local residents and displaced Ukrainians stand side-by-side, united by core European values—freedom, justice, and humanity.

What We Create Within the Project:

• A Platform for Dialogue: Panel discussions and expert presentations that help European society gain a deeper understanding of modern challenges.
• Cultural Diplomacy: Moving photo exhibitions and interactive workshops showcasing the strength, resilience, and beauty of Ukrainian identity.
• Caring for the Future: Dedicated children’s spaces and therapeutic workshops focused on supporting the mental well-being of the youngest generation.
• Peaceful Commemorative March: An evening march through the streets of the city—a profound, candlelit demonstration of solidarity that unites people of all nationalities in their pursuit of a just peace.

A Celebration That Smells of Home: When Pain and Joy Are Shared Equally

For the VilnaJa team, Ukraine’s Independence Day is a special occasion when borders fade away, and Ukraine blooms once more in the heart of everyone living far from home. Every year, we gather our community in Arnhem for a large, warm get-together. The most beautiful and meaningful aspect of these events is that they have long outgrown being just for Ukrainians.

In fact, half of our guests—around 50%—are Dutch. Local residents come with their entire families to stand shoulder-to-shoulder with us, showing that they share our pain. They deeply feel our losses while genuinely admiring our vibrant culture and zest for life. This is a unique space where two different cultures unite around shared human values.

An Atmosphere Where No One Is a Stranger:

We are deeply grateful that this desire to connect and preserve our heritage resonates on every level. Our gatherings are free from rigid protocols, feeling instead like a warm circle of close friends:

• A Community United: Side by side with hundreds of Ukrainians and Dutch neighbors sitting at one big table, our events welcome the Consul of Ukraine, embassy representatives, Deputy Mayors of Arnhem, and municipal officials. They join us simply as individuals—to be present, to connect, and to express their heartfelt solidarity.

What Fills These Days with Meaning:

• Weaving Stories Through Crafts: Together, we touch traditions passed down through generations. Our artisans introduce guests to authentic Ukrainian woodblock printing—the art of hand-stamping patterns onto fabric using carved wooden blocks. It is a wonderful sight to see Ukrainians and Dutch neighbors, children and adults, and local officials alike passionately printing the Ukrainian Trident alongside the symbols of Arnhem onto custom tote bags.
• A Haven of Joy for Children: We create a dedicated, creative world for the little ones. Guided by professional artists, children paint, craft, and fill the room with laughter. Above all, we want every single child to feel safe, welcomed, and loved.
• The Soul of the Event: Evenings filled with warm hugs, conversations that transcend language barriers, familiar childhood songs, and dances that bring back hope for a brighter, peaceful, and shared tomorrow.

VilnaJa is a place where the Ukrainian heart beats in perfect unison with the hearts of our Dutch friends. When we share our souls, we grow closer, and the world becomes a bit brighter.

When the Ground Crumbles Underneath: A Space Where Your Pain Turns Into Newfound Strength

Being forced to pack your entire life into a single suitcase. Leaving behind your home, your memories, and your plans, only to find yourself in a foreign country starting completely from scratch. It is a heart-wrenching trial that splits life into “before” and “after.” In moments like this, the hardest part is not just adapting to new surroundings, but finding the answer to a quiet question: “Who am I now, and where do I find the strength to go on?”

At VilnaJa, we know what it feels like to lose your roots. Our women’s initiatives are explicitly created for those who had to flee their homes due to war or crisis and are now searching for a new footing in life. Our approach is uniquely trauma-informed and coaching-based. We don’t lecture, and we don’t label. We offer a safe sanctuary where every woman can gently release accumulated stress, put the pieces of her life back together, and regain control over her own future.

Small Groups—A Sanctuary of Absolute Trust:

We intentionally step away from large, overwhelming crowds when it comes to inner healing. Our core format is strictly small coaching groups. This cozy, closed circle ensures that:

• Your story is heard and embraced with utmost sensitivity, free of judgment or unsolicited advice.
• There is dedicated time and space for your emotions, somatic integration, and true relaxation.
• You no longer have to carry the weight of your crisis all by yourself.

Open to Every Woman:

The pain of losing a home and the fear of an uncertain future have no nationality. While the heart of our movement beats in unison with Ukraine, VilnaJa welcomes any woman who finds herself displaced and navigating the heavy waters of resettlement. We believe that a shared experience of resilience unites us far deeper than any linguistic or cultural borders ever could.

With the vital backing of the European Union and our international partners, these sessions are entirely free. We provide a professional standard of care so that you can finally close your eyes, take a deep breath, and feel safe again.

Home is not just a physical place. Home is something you carry inside you. And we are here to help you rebuild it.

Resilience & Development for Youth

New Environment, Shared Future: Supporting Children and Teenagers Through Times of Transition

Children and teenagers experience crisis, relocation, and the loss of their familiar surroundings with a unique intensity. They are faced with more than just adjusting to new circumstances; they must completely reinvent their world, find new friend groups, and learn to navigate an unfamiliar society. The youth empowerment branch at VilnaJa is thoughtfully designed to ensure this journey is safe, structured, and filled with authentic care.

We step completely away from rigid, traditional structures. Our mission is to provide a vibrant space free from academic pressure, focusing instead on unconditional acceptance, personal growth, and smooth social integration.

Our Core Pillars of Support:

• Trauma-Informed Care: War and sudden life disruptions leave invisible emotional footprints. Through art, creative expression, and gentle interactive practices, we help children and adolescents safely process stress, release inner tension, and rebuild a profound sense of safety and trust in the world around them.
• Gentle Socialization and Connection: We build a solid bridge between where they come from and where they are growing. By fostering spaces for open, peer-to-peer communication, we guide youth to forge new friendships, overcome cultural barriers, and seamlessly adapt to life in the Netherlands—while proudly maintaining their connection to their native language, heritage, and identity.
• Holistic Personal Development: Our programs emphasize essential life skills (soft skills) that empower young people. From emotional intelligence and teamwork to leadership, creativity, and critical thinking, we cultivate an environment where every child and teenager can unlock their unique potential.

VilnaJa is a safe harbor where children and teenagers can reclaim their youth, build lasting inner resilience, find true friends, and look toward their future with confidence.

Support for Women

We create a safe and welcoming space for women, offering access to social, emotional, and psychological support. This includes tailored programs that help them integrate into Dutch society while maintaining a strong connection to their Ukrainian heritage.

Cultural Integration and Heritage Preservation

We organize various cultural events such as concerts, exhibitions, and community gatherings to celebrate Ukrainian traditions. These events promote cultural exchange between the Ukrainian and Dutch communities, ensuring that our heritage thrives in a new environment.