Taking Action, Fast

In September 2022, we chose to act. With thousands of Ukrainians arriving in Glasgow, we reached out to Viktoriia, a Code Division alumna, who helped us connect with local volunteers and grassroots groups.

Grace and Frank visited both accommodation boats in Glasgow and Edinburgh and met many incredible women — highly skilled, professional, and determined to rebuild their lives.

Their strength, warmth, and resilience was incredible and sparked the creation of our Digital Empowerment Programme, designed to offer practical data skills, business English skills and community support in a time of great uncertainty.

Grace reached out to Kelly from SDS Women Returner programme and we were able to secure funding.

Sharing the Message

With Vilena, a Ukrainian mother who fled to Glasgow, we created an appeal video. Individuals and organisations stepped up, offering donations, support, and resources. It showed the strength and kindness within our community.

A Space to Belong

Thanks to the generous support of the Clutha Trust, we secured a spacious office in the heart of Glasgow. It quickly became more than just a classroom — it was a safe, welcoming hub where women could learn, connect, and grow in confidence. Avant Assessment kindly offered their services free of charge.

Bianca transformed the space with art, colour, and donated plants, creating a calm, inspiring environment that truly felt like home.

Listening and Learning

Before the course began, we surveyed Ukrainians in emergency accommodation. We listened to their stories, goals, and challenges. With support from our board chair Jim, we were able to connect learners with housing contacts and the rent deposit schemes to help them move forward.

Launching the Programme

Planned for 20 learners, we actually welcomed 34 in the end. Frank and Bianca were able to design the course in under a week.

We decided that for this programme the tutors should all be women. So Bianca alongside Sian and Emily delivered workshops in Data, Business English, and Wellbeing. The programme was built on trust, care, and a sense of community.

Sharing Our Story

The BBC visited us at our office to chat with our learners about their backgrounds, learning experiences, and hopes for the future. It was a proud moment for everyone involved when the programme was featured on Reporting Scotland, shining a light on the resilience of our learners and the impact of the course.

A Sense of Belonging

To celebrate the course ending, and the arrival of the festive season, our partners at the Clutha Trust threw a Christmas party, welcoming course participants and their families for an evening of music, gifts, Santa and, of course, a lesson in the Slosh!

Moving Forward

After completing the course, our learners sat the Avant assessment and earned valuable SQA Data units. To achieve this while facing displacement, uncertainty, and trauma speaks volumes about their determination — and the dedication of our tutors. These qualifications opened doors for many, including data roles at Scottish Power for Anastasia, Maryna, and Alona. Every single learner showed incredible resilience in reaching this point — a real achievement in every sense.

Digital Empowerment Programme: Ukrainian Women