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Empowering civil society in eastern Europe and Central Asia: EBRD alumni Simon Ray (’10) and Aliya Boranbayeva (’19) report on the work of HealthProm.

The enduring influence of EBRD alumni in driving positive change is embodied in the dedicated efforts of Simon Ray and Aliya Boranbayeva, trustees at HealthProm. This long-standing organisation is committed to empowering vulnerable communities across eastern Europe and Central Asia, with a focus on nurturing resilience and fostering economic independence among Ukrainian refugees in the United Kingdom, while simultaneously working alongside partners across the region.

Simon Ray, who held the position of UK Executive Director on the EBRD Board from 2003 to 2010, continues his regional engagement as Chair of HealthProm's Board of Trustees. Anchored in the era of Perestroika, HealthProm's mission encompasses empowering at-risk children, women and families through comprehensive approaches, such as safe childbirth, the deinstitutionalisation of childcare, palliative care, disability support and inclusive education.

At the heart of HealthProm's strategy lies the cultivation of local civil society, the amplification of awareness and the empowerment of communities, mirroring the EBRD's ethos of partnership and solidarity. Despite the challenges, HealthProm remains steadfast in its support of initiatives spanning Belarus, Afghanistan, Ukraine, Tajikistan and the United Kingdom, with aspirations to expand its transformative influence further.

Aliya Boranbayeva, a former Communications Specialist at the EBRD Regional Office in Kazakhstan, brings rich experience to her role as a trustee at HealthProm. Driven by impactful EBRD initiatives, her commitment to aiding vulnerable communities propelled her into her current role as a Communications Consultant at the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime, where she remains steadfast in advancing the cause of civil society.

Most recently, HealthProm has emerged as a bastion of support for Ukrainians in the war-torn country and for refugees in the United Kingdom. Guided by our past involvement in Ukraine, we launched an appeal for support to aid those hit hard by the ongoing conflict. We are closely connected with Ukrainian non-governmental organisations and parent-led groups, aiming to provide comprehensive assistance, particularly for children with disabilities. Simultaneously, the Open Doors project, which has long provided tailored psychological support to migrant women from Eastern Europe and Central Asia, as well as a support programme for Afghan refugees, has since February 2022 grown into a safe haven for displaced Ukrainians, seeking to foster their integration into UK society. Over the past 18 months, HealthProm has become a prominent sanctuary for Ukrainian refugees in London, impacting over 1,600 lives.

Notably, HealthProm's initiatives for Ukrainian refugees extend beyond compassionate aid to a structured plan for empowerment and economic independence. This multifaceted approach includes English language lessons, mental health support, employment guidance, exercise clubs, youth programmes and other initiatives aimed at aiding adaptation to life in the UK.

A striking 85 per cent of Ukrainian beneficiaries consulted by HealthProm hold at least a bachelor's degree, yet the majority depend on government benefits. HealthProm's objective is to cultivate self-sufficiency and fulfillment for displaced Ukrainians in the UK, and it has already witnessed significant success. Its career support programme, launched six months ago, has facilitated meaningful employment for 40 individuals, raising average salaries from £15,000 to £31,000, with 18 per cent of beneficiaries incorporating digital skills into their new roles.

Through strategic collaboration with local councils and businesses, HealthProm enhances the visibility of Ukrainians' skills, supporting their journey to secure jobs and housing. The organisation's commitment extends to equipping families with computers and tablets for educational purposes, funding job-interview commutes and fostering opportunities for cultural understanding and professional growth through volunteerism.

By collaborating with HealthProm, we actively empower refugees to rebuild their lives, achieve economic independence and contribute substantively to the UK economy. Simultaneously, we stand with HealthProm as it extends its impact across Eastern Europe and Central Asia, fostering change that transcends borders. This collective endeavour not only offers hope, but also paves the way for a future of resilience and prosperity.

As we reflect upon the shared values of HealthProm and the EBRD, a heartfelt appeal is extended to the EBRD family to join hands with HealthProm in its ongoing initiatives, collectively propelling tangible transformation. Visit www.healthprom.org or connect with Simon Ray at Simon@Healthprom.org to explore ways to contribute and become part of this force for change.