Fostering educational and cultural development for young people
Olha Tybor aims to create meaningful opportunities for learning, growth, and intercultural dialogue that benefit local communities and strengthen Ukraine’s development and recovery.
Profile
- Name:
Olha Tybor
- Professional background:
German teacher and Chair of the NGO Wolyniendeutscher Verein
- Place of assignment:
Regional Development Manager at the German-Austrian Education Center, Ukraine
- Duration of assignment:
July 2024 – Present
The war has put many projects in Ukraine on hold, yet young people must remain active and gain intercultural experience, as this not only supports their personal growth but also strengthens society for the future. Learning foreign languages and participating in international programs opens doors to global opportunities, and helps develop skills that can contribute to Ukraine’s recovery and integration into the international community.
Leading educational and cultural projects that directly benefit children, young people, and local communities has always been deeply rewarding to Olha Tybor. During her time in Germany, she worked with children and young people teaching German. However, she continued to manage educational and cultural projects remotely for the NGO Wolyniendeutscher Verein. During school holidays, she travelled regularly to Ukraine to oversee projects and maintain contact with the communities supported by the NGO.
Olha felt a strong sense of responsibility and connection not only to her family but also to the people touched by her work in the NGO. Reflecting on her commitment, Olha realised: “My place is in Ukraine, where I can contribute most effectively. My family is here, and my work in civil society has a direct impact on people’s lives.” Returning to Ukraine allowed her to combine her professional skills with her sense of duty and commitment to the community, she shares.
With her extensive professional experience in education, youth engagement, community development, and project management, Olha wanted to return to Ukraine to leverage her expertise to strengthen Ukraine. As Chair of Wolyniendeutscher Verein, she collaborated with the German-Austrian Education Center on joint educational and cultural initiatives in the region. Upon her return to Ukraine in July 2024, Olha took on the role of Regional Development Manager. Her main tasks include developing and implementing strategies to promote regional educational projects. She organises courses and trainings in different regions of Ukraine and cooperate closely with local and international partners to ensure their successful implementation.
Olha’s background allows her to offer practical insights into youth engagement, curriculum development, and community involvement. She also brings experience in building international partnerships, particularly with institutions in Germany, which helps to create joint programs, exchanges, and training opportunities that strengthen both local and cross-border educational projects. Her aim is to strengthen the Center’s cooperation with international partners in the field of youth work. And, she has already established joint youth programmes and exchanges with partners in Germany, where she sees new opportunities for learning, growth, and intercultural dialogue – all essential for the long-term recovery and development of Ukraine. With the German-Austrian Education Center, Olha is able to implement new educational and cultural projects, explore innovative approaches, and expand cooperation with local and international partners.
Returning meant facing a challenging and uncertain environment, with many practical and emotional difficulties”, shares Olha, but the returning expert offer “helped me in planning my professional reintegration in Ukraine.
Further information on the offers available to the Ukrainian diaspora can be found below.