A Team Without Borders: IvAlive’s First In-Person Gathering

We believe that when people have a purpose, there are no borders and no road too difficult. And recently, we experienced that firsthand.

In early May, the IvAlive team held our first-ever in-person gathering. Some of our team members work at the Educational Development Center every day, while others join us from across Ukraine  — staying connected, answering your questions, and keeping everything running smoothly. This time, we all came together, traveling hundreds of kilometers and spending hours on the road. And when we met, it felt like we’d known each other for years.

This week gave us more than just time to discuss work or share tasks. We got to know each other on a deeper level — uncovering hidden talents, hobbies, and sides of each other we hadn’t seen before. We laughed, tasted chocolate together, and even made our own bars by hand. We hiked in the mountains — rain and all — and couldn’t believe it was really happening. We held an 8-hour session to map out our strategy, and later, shared childhood photos at a party we’ll remember with a smile for a long time.

This gathering reminded us that our real strength is in unity. In every person who welcomes guests at our Center and Library, builds programs for children and adults, organizes events, and makes sure every visitor feels truly at home.

On behalf of the entire IvAlive Family, thank you for being with us. Now we feel even closer — to each other, and to you.