The story of a BLOOM participant – “When we received this grant, we got our future back.”

Snizhana and her family live in the Chernihiv region, where they run a family workshop dedicated to the traditional Ukrainian craft of straw weaving. They create didukhs, straw “spiders”, decorative sculptures, and other traditional ornaments, preserving the centuries-old art of working with rye straw.

“For us, this has never been just a business. It is our soul, our way of holding on to life and passing on the beauty of our homeland.”

Before Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine, the family owned woodworking equipment that was essential for producing the wooden frames used in their straw creations. During the occupation, however, they were forced to sell everything of value, including their tools and machinery, in an attempt to raise enough money to evacuate their children.

The evacuation never happened. The family remained under occupation. When their community was finally liberated, they were left without their equipment, without a source of income, and without the craft that had sustained both their livelihood and their spirit.

Support provided through the BLOOM programme enabled the family to purchase new woodworking machinery and essential equipment, allowing their workshop to come back to life.

“When the scent of fresh wood returned to our workshop, and our children were able to pick up straw and tools again, we felt like we had our wings back.”

Today, the family is creating again. They are preparing for an autumn exhibition and rebuilding partnerships that were interrupted by the war. Their handcrafted works are already displayed in museums, and new commissions and opportunities are once again on the horizon.

“We feel needed again. Our craft supports our family, brings joy to our children, and helps preserve Ukraine’s cultural heritage for future generations.”

BLOOM provides more than financial assistance. It helps people regain their sense of strength, dignity, and hope for the future.

The BLOOM Programme is implemented by the BLOOM Consortium, comprising Mercy Corps , Swisscontact, and Right to Protection (R2P), with financial support from the UK Government through UK aid.