DOGODA

DOGODA helps elderly people and people with special needs to live a dignified and joyful life.

DOGODA is a charitable workshop that brings together various types of creativity — rug weaving, embroidery, and other handicrafts, mainly by elderly people and people with special needs. Here they find meaningful leisure activities and the opportunity to be entrepreneurs even in retirement.

HISTORY

The project began in 2015 with the weaving of rag rugs using special wooden frames of various sizes. Out of a dozen students at a nursing home for the elderly and people with special needs in the village of Peremoha, Kyiv region, Valery Stelmakh became a permanent master at the facility. Valery uses a wheelchair due to the amputation of his lower limbs. He has remarkable creative talent, successfully combines colours, is hard-working, sincere and determined. Valery’s rugs are sold by the project’s partner, the charity shop Laska, and recently in the social shop on the DOGODA SHOP website (active link). Half of the proceeds from the sale of the rugs go to the author, and the rest goes towards the administration of the project. Valeria’s products are purchased for homes and as gifts for foreign friends, so they are already available in the United States, the Netherlands, Canada, and the United Kingdom.

FOR WHOM

For elderly people in general, students of Third Age Institutes, as well as those who are in specialised geriatric institutions. DOGODA gives them the opportunity to be involved in useful social activities. To spend time with people who share similar values. It helps them realise their creative abilities and master new skills. To earn additional income to supplement their pensions.

ACHIEVEMENTS

• Rag equivalent to 2,000 knitted T-shirts donated.
• More than 200 rugs sold.
• Two weaving workshops held for students of the Third Age Institute in Ukrainka, Kyiv region. Valery Stelmakh received the title and distinction of honorary teacher.
• The foundation team, together with Valery, took part in a special event, ‘Courage Bazaar,’ dedicated to artisans with special needs.
• Today, the DOGODA shop on the foundation’s website features handmade products by five elderly artisans with disabilities.

WHAT NEXT?

Where is DOGODA headed?

We want elderly people and people with special needs in every corner of Ukraine to have a dignified and joyful life. That is why we are expanding the geography of the project, the number of centres where elderly people gather for learning and creativity, as well as awareness of the importance of the project among Ukrainians who care about a healthy society.

For the next 2 years:

• in all regions of Ukraine, elderly people and people with special needs will be able to participate in interesting leisure activities and earn additional income.
• 10 new masters of the charity workshop will master teaching skills and help beginners learn how to weave rugs and make other aesthetic and useful eco-products for everyday life
• 200 new masters will join the charity workshop.
• As part of social entrepreneurship, products will be sold on various Ukrainian and international marketplaces.
• A special collection of 50×50 covers will be sent to defenders for everyday use.
• We need to raise UAH 1,500,000 to implement this project.

HOW TO BECOME A PROJECT MASTER

• Contact the fund’s representatives and express your desire to learn how to weave rugs or demonstrate your own products and find out how to join the charity workshop.
• The fund’s team will take care of:
• Your training
• Materials
• Useful information about participating in the charity workshop
• Signing the necessary documents to receive funds from the sale of products

HOW TO HELP

• Donate T-shirts and materials for other products
• Purchase crafts (link to DOGODA SHOP)
• Donate on the website to support the charity workshop using the ‘Help’ buttons on this page
• Share information with friends
• Visit the craftsmen (we can organise a weaving workshop)
• Become a project volunteer (link to the volunteer application form)

Necessary amount: 1 500 000 UAH (January-December 2022)
Validity period: 2015 – ongoing (indefinitely)

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