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"A Million Trees of Remembrance: Italian activists join the world record
The global campaign ‘A Million Trees in a Day!’ achieved an impressive result — 1,102,365 trees planted in memory and for life across 575 locations in 30 countries around the world. This was reported to the Book World Record representatives. The initiative brought together hundreds of locations and thousands of people around a common goal — honouring the memory of those who died for Ukraine and restoring the planet’s ecosystem. According to UA Service HUB, the directors of the international offices of Business Woman magazine actively joined this large-scale campaign — women who not only shape business communities in various countries but also become part of global social change. In various corners of the world — from Europe to North America — they planted trees alongside Ukrainian communities and international partners as a symbol of life, remembrance and resilience. The geographical scope of participation is impressive: Norway, Armenia, Switzerland, Denmark, Italy, Poland, Spain, Paraguay, Germany, Moldova, Hungary, Portugal, Slovakia, Georgia, Turkey, Greece, France, Slovenia, South Korea, Canada, the USA — and these are just some of the countries where the Business Woman team has become part of this global movement. Ukrainian activists in Italy have also actively joined this initiative. “Special thanks to Ms Natalia Natalì YA from Rovereto and Ms Yaroslava Vyshnevska from Bergamo, who took part in this record-breaking attempt and proved that even under difficult conditions, it is possible to act quickly and effectively,” said Nadiya Bereziuk, director of the Italian office of Business Woman magazine.
UA NEXT GENERATIONS: young ambassadors of Ukraine are wanted
Wherever you are – Ukraine can be with you every day! The Association for Innovative and Digital Education (AIDE: EduHub), together with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Ukraine, the Ministry of Education and Science of Ukraine, the Ministry of Social Policy, Family and Unity of Ukraine, and the Ministry of Youth and Sport of Ukraine, invites teenagers aged 10–18 and their families from the following countries: 🔸Europe 🔸the Middle East 🔸Africa to join the unique “UA NEXT GENERATIONS” project and receive a “Young Ambassador of Ukraine” certificate. If you want to maintain a living connection with Ukraine and gain a deeper understanding of its strength, culture and people – this project is for you. “UA NEXT GENERATIONS” offers: 🔹 5 interactive online sessions 🔹 a modern learning format 🔹 topics on Ukrainian identity, language, culture and the global achievements of Ukrainians 🔹 new connections and lively communication with peers from different countries. This is an opportunity: 🔸 for teenagers — to feel part of modern Ukraine, make friends and strengthen their own identity 🔸 for parents — to support their child’s connection with their homeland and the Ukrainian community worldwide. 📌 Participation in the project is free of charge. Dates: 📍Every Saturday from 6 June to 4 July 2026 Time: ⏰ 16:00 – 17:00 (Kyiv time) Outcome: 🎯 ‘Young Ambassador of Ukraine’ certificate 🎯 membership of the Network of Youth Leaders of the Ukrainian Community Worldwide. Register via the link: 👉 https://forms.gle/fGoY4qt3uhqGWzPa9 The aim of the project is to give you the opportunity to remain Ukrainian, wherever you currently live!
UA Picnic: Ukrainian karaoke, psychological games and delicious barbecue
A warm and inspiring UA Picnic took place in Marcianise (province of Caserta), combining relaxation, socialising and a focus on mental health. Organised by the Lalla Club women’s club, the event was both fun and meaningful: guests were treated to a presentation, interactive games, open-air karaoke and, of course, delicious shashlik, creating a truly homely atmosphere. A key highlight was the launch of Mindspace, Italy’s first mental fitness club — a space for support and recovery for Ukrainians living far from home. In these challenging times, this place is designed to be a haven where one can pause, take a breath and restore inner balance. The club’s founder is Oleksandr Mesetsko, a member of the CRASA APS association, a CBT consultant and coach. According to UA Service HUB, Mindspace brings together specialists from various fields: adult and child psychologists, family counsellors, coaches, experts in physical and spiritual practices, as well as play therapists. The uniqueness of the space lies in the combination of evidence-based psychology, practical tools and gentle approaches to development without pressure or exhaustion. Picnic guests were able not only to learn about the project but also to experience the atmosphere of a community where self-care, openness and mutual support are paramount. The event’s information partners were the CRASA APS association and UA Service HUB.
Mindspace: Ukrainians set up a mental fitness club in Italy
Here is an updated news item with contributions from our media partners: ⸻ A special space for support and recovery has opened in Italy — the first Mindspace mental fitness club. In these difficult times, many people need a place where they can pause, take a breath and find inner strength. Mindspace has become just such a safe space — for Ukrainians seeking psychological and emotional support far from home. The club’s founder is Oleksandr Mesetsko, a member of the CRASA APS association, a CBT consultant and coach. What makes Mindspace special? It is the first space in Italy to bring together specialists from various fields for a comprehensive and caring approach to mental wellbeing. The club is staffed by: adult and child psychologists, family counsellors, coaches, and experts in spiritual and physical practices and play therapy. The concept is based on a harmonious blend of modern evidence-based psychology, practical tools and spiritual approaches. This format offers a healthy alternative to traditional personal development: instead of an exhausting pursuit of results — gentle self-care and mindfulness. “There is no motivational pressure here — only support, clarity and direction,” emphasises the Mindspace team. Participants can choose a convenient format for interaction: individual consultations, group meetings or in-depth retreats to recharge their batteries. Come and meet us! The first public meeting and presentation of the club will take place as part of the UA Picnic on 1 May in Marchyanyze (Kampania). This is a wonderful opportunity to meet the team, experience the community atmosphere and take the first step towards your own mental health. The event’s information partner is UA Service HUB. Come along — you’re not alone, and looking after yourself really is important.
It's already a chain: Ukrainian restaurant Anastasia opened in Rome
On 23 April, an important event for the Ukrainian community took place in Rome: the opening of the new Ukrainian restaurant ‘Anastasia’. The restaurant is located at Via del Gazometro, 34, and is already attracting the attention not only of Ukrainians in Italy but also of local residents interested in traditional Ukrainian cuisine, culture and a warm, welcoming atmosphere. The ‘Anastasia’ restaurant is not just a place where you can enjoy delicious Ukrainian dishes in Rome. It is a new space for meetings, lively conversation, making new friends and supporting Ukrainians who live, work or are temporarily staying in Italy. For many Ukrainians abroad, such places hold special significance, as they help maintain a connection with their native culture, language, traditions and the taste of home. The restaurant’s menu features dishes that are familiar to every Ukrainian: borscht, varenyky, stuffed cabbage rolls, homemade meat dishes, salads, appetisers and other traditional Ukrainian fare. It is precisely this food that often serves as an emotional bridge between Ukraine and life abroad. For Italians, this is a wonderful opportunity to discover Ukrainian gastronomy, which combines generosity, naturalness, rich flavours and homely warmth. The new establishment is restaurateur Mykola Oleksiv’s second restaurant project in Italy. His first restaurant is operating successfully in the province of Naples and has already gained popularity among diners. The opening of the ‘Anastasia’ restaurant in Rome marked an important step in the development of Ukrainian business in Italy and the promotion of Ukrainian culture among an international audience. According to the owner, the idea behind the restaurant is not only to offer guests high-quality Ukrainian food, but also to create a place where every Ukrainian can feel closer to home. There is a large Ukrainian community living in the Italian capital, so the emergence of such a space is particularly timely. According to UA Service HUB, the ‘Anastasia’ restaurant plans to become not just a dining venue, but also a cultural hub. In the future, it may host themed evenings, Ukrainian community gatherings, cultural events, celebrations and functions that will help bring Ukrainians in Rome together. The opening of the ‘Anastasia’ restaurant is yet another example of how Ukrainians in Italy are developing their own initiatives, setting up businesses, supporting one another and introducing Italian society to Ukrainian culture. Such spaces are of great importance, as they help shape a positive image of Ukraine abroad and demonstrate that Ukrainian cuisine, hospitality and traditions can be interesting, delicious and appealing to people of different nationalities. If you’re looking for a place to enjoy delicious Ukrainian food in Rome, try homemade borscht or varenyky, or simply spend time in a warm Ukrainian atmosphere, the ‘Anastasia’ restaurant at Via del Gazometro, 34 could become your new favourite meeting spot. For Ukrainians in Italy, this is not just a new restaurant. It is another place of unity, support and preservation of Ukrainian identity far from home. And for visitors to Rome, it is a wonderful opportunity to discover the true taste of Ukraine. address on the map
Talking about Ukraine: a powerful cultural event was held in Naples
The opening of the exhibition by Ukrainian photographers in Naples was a great success. The event formed part of the prologue to the 11th edition of ‘Imbavagliati – International Festival of Citizen Journalism’ and was held with the support of journalist Desiree Klein and the Fondazione Plart museum. The CRASA Aps association played a key role in organising and delivering the event, acting as the initiator of the Ukrainian community’s participation and the programme coordinator. Thanks to these joint efforts, a rich and emotionally cohesive event was created, bringing together photography, documentary film and performance art. The exhibition was dedicated to the innocent victims of the war in Ukraine — women and children. The exhibition featured works by Ukrainian photographers Oleksandr Gimanov, Taras Fedorenko and Viktoria Govorushchenko. Their projects explore the theme of war through a female perspective — profound, personal and yet full of inner strength. According to UA Service HUB, the programme also included an emotional performance and a screening of a documentary from the ‘The Will to Win’ project, which tells the story of the young gymnast Oleksandra Pascal. The girl lost her leg as a result of a rocket strike on her home, but after rehabilitation she returned to training, becoming a symbol of courage and resilience. An additional artistic highlight of the event was a musical performance by Ukrainian artist Svitlana Khronenko and visual elements that enhanced the overall impression of the event. The organisers emphasise that the main aim of the event was to give Ukraine a voice and, through art, convey the human dimension of war to the international community. Thanks to the coordinating role of Crasa Aps, this task was carried out to a high standard.
UA Service HUB platform presented to Ambassador of Ukraine to Italy during a meeting with the community
During a meeting between the newly appointed Ukrainian Ambassador to Italy, Ihor Brusylo, and the Ukrainian community in Rome, Alona Siwerska, a representative of the CRASA APS association, presented the UA Service HUB platform — a modern online service for Ukrainians in Italy, designed to bring the community together, provide access to services and foster communication. UA Service HUB is a digital platform based on the website work.crasa.team, which brings together specialists, volunteer initiatives, employment opportunities and useful information for Ukrainians in Italy. The project is designed to support the community, simplify integration and foster cooperation between organisations, activists and users. In the context of the development of the Ukrainian diaspora and the strengthening of civil society, such a resource is of particular importance, as it creates a convenient ecosystem for interaction between civil society organisations, specialists, volunteers and people seeking assistance or new opportunities within the Italian environment. This is precisely why UA Service HUB can be seen as a promising platform for the Ukrainian diaspora in Italy, combining informational value, social interaction and digital convenience. In addition to presenting the platform, Alona Siwerska spoke about the activities of CRASA APS and the projects it has implemented. As a symbolic gesture, she presented the Ambassador with a calendar of ‘Ukrainian Women in Italy’ — a charitable initiative aimed at promoting Ukrainian culture in Italy. During the meeting, they also discussed the consolidation of the Ukrainian community, strengthening cooperation with diplomatic bodies and supporting Ukrainians abroad. It should be noted that the meeting took place on 18 April in Rome. Its main objective was to foster an open dialogue between the Ambassador and the Ukrainian community, as well as to discuss current areas of cooperation and the development of initiatives in Italy. The participants focused on coordinating joint projects and strengthening communication between diplomatic institutions and civil society.
Free online course for future cultural mediators launches in Italy
Training & HR has announced the launch of a free training course entitled ‘Linguistic and Cultural Mediator’. The 240-hour programme will be delivered entirely online and is designed to train professionals capable of working in a multicultural environment and facilitating effective communication between people of different languages and cultures. The curriculum covers the following modules: psychology and communication, international law and legislation, as well as the practical aspects of a cultural mediator’s work. Classes will be conducted in Italian and English. Ukrainian citizens who are unemployed, temporarily out of work or in part-time employment are invited to apply. The organisers note that the profession of cultural mediator is becoming increasingly in demand, particularly in the context of active migration processes and the development of international cooperation. Further information is available on the organisers’ official website or by emailing: info@traininghr.it. Enquiries regarding the course can also be made by telephone: 349 767 6128.
Football unites: a championship among Ukrainian teams will be held in Italy
On 26 April, a football tournament kicks off in Italy, which has been bringing together Ukrainian teams from different regions of the country for many years. The competition will run until 17 May and will conclude with the final tournament — the Super Cup in Rome. This is the only Ukrainian football championship in Italy, featuring teams from the south, centre and north of the country. It is worth noting that the tournament’s history dates back to 2013, when the first championship between Ukrainian teams was organised on the initiative of the parish priest of the Ukrainian community in Caserta, Fr. Ihor Danylchuk, and several enthusiasts. According to UA Service HUB, six teams from the southern region of Italy took part in the first competition. The tournament subsequently began to expand, with new cities and teams joining in. Over time, the championship has come to cover virtually the whole country. In 2021, the sporting event began to be supported by the newly established Department of Youth Ministry of the Apostolic Exarchate, led by Fr. Sviatoslav Tytuliak. The event has both a sporting and a spiritual dimension: before the games begin, participants gather for the Divine Liturgy, and a communal prayer takes place before each match. Details of this year’s championship: Matches involving teams from the Southern region will take place in Caserta. Participating teams: Storm (Salerno) Volya (Nola) Trident (Caserta) Cavour (Naples) Otamani (Santa Maria C. V.) Bukovina (Mondragone) Vesuvius (Pompeii) Programme for 26 April: 11:30 — Divine Liturgy. Church address: via San Carlo, 112, Caserta. 13:30–20:00 — championship matches. Stadium address: via Pier Paolo Pasolini, 39, Caserta. Matches for teams from the central region will take place in Rome. Teams: The Unbreakables (Rome) Good Fellas (Rome) Legion (Rome) Sparta (Rome) St Josaphat College (Rome) Programme for 26 April: 10:00 — Holy Mass at the Patriarchal Pro-Cathedral of Saint Sophia. 12:00 — start of matches. Stadium address: Asd Atletico Grifone, via Mattia Battistini, 2