A new safe space for working amid wartime risks has been set up in a SumDU shelter. It was created by the Center for Civic Initiatives “Intellect of Sumy Region”. It has been operating at SumDU for nearly 20 years.

The space was created within the project “Intellect of Sumy Region: A Space for Resilience and Development”. It is supported by the International Renaissance Foundation and funded by the Norwegian Agency for Development and Cooperation in partnership with the Swedish International Development Cooperation Agency.

Three functional spaces were renovated and equipped with furniture and technology: a group work space, a room for individual consultations, and a small office.

Previously, the Intellect of Sumy Region office was also located on the university campus, but it was damaged during one of the drone attacks on university buildings.

“The nature of our work involves more than just analytics and desk research. We regularly conduct in-person activities: focus groups, surveys, trainings, workshops, and individual consultations. Therefore, having our own space is a necessity that allows us to continue implementing projects and helping communities and people. Given the security situation, we understood that the new office must, above all, be safe. We are sincerely grateful to the SumDU administration for opportunity to set it up in a shelter, and to the International Renaissance Foundation for support and funding”, – noted Andriana KOSTENKO (head of the Department of Psychology, Political Science, and Sociocultural Technologies; deputy chair of the NGO “Intellect of Sumy Region”).

No major renovations were carried out in the premises. Instead, the focus was on key engineering solutions: modern ventilation, electrical wiring, energy-efficient lighting, more outlets. A modern conference call system was also purchased for hosting online events.

Also, a mobile tracked lift for people with disabilities was purchased.

Representatives of the International Renaissance Foundation, Tetiana KUKHARENKO and Svitlana KOPOTUN, attended the renovated space opening.

Events organized by the NGO “Intellect of Sumy Region” will take place here in future. Currently, the shelter is hosting an exhibition of paintings created to mark the 25th anniversary of UN Security Council Resolution 1325.