Solutions journalism works: Rubryka’s ten best articles in September

Run to live

Thinking about starting to run but struggling to find motivation to get out of bed? Or perhaps you're a seasoned runner searching for a community of like-minded people to chat about your progress over coffee?

Rubryka visited the RUN21 running club and spoke with coaches and participants to bring you useful running tips. Whether you're a beginner or an experienced marathoner, we've gathered stories that will inspire you to lace up your shoes and hit the road.

"You can achieve more in a group. On your own, you might give up or take it easy. But when you see someone else pushing forward, you keep going too. Somehow, even without words, you support each other," says Maria Golota, founder and coach of the RUN21 running club.

Read more about the club and tips for beginners in our article!

Social taxi that saves women from violence

Women experiencing domestic or gender-based violence face numerous barriers to seeking support. Some of the most significant challenges include the fear of leaving a familiar, though harmful, environment, a lack of help from those around them, and concerns for their children's safety. Many women also lack the financial resources to live independently from their abuser, and even transportation can become an obstacle when trying to escape a dangerous situation quickly and safely.

In the Poltava region, the "Light of Hope" charitable organization has launched a new service—a social taxi for women and children affected by domestic or gender-based violence. This free service operates throughout the region, offering fast and safe transportation to those in need. Rubryka explains how the service works.

Books, bikes, and three librarians

In small Ukrainian towns, libraries are often situated closer to the center, making it difficult for people in remote areas to visit. Finding time to go to the library can be a challenge due to work and household responsibilities.

To promote reading and attract new users, the Bakhmach Public Library in the Chernihiv region has been running a mobile library for several years—a bicycle library. Librarians, riding bicycles loaded with books, travel to the farthest corners of the city. They introduce residents to new literary releases, works by modern Ukrainian authors, and periodicals. They also share information about library services and upcoming events.

Rubryka explains how the bicycle library operates in Bakhmach.

"There is no insignificant recovery"

Residents of all ages joined in the instalment process. Photo provided by Tetiana Teteria

During the occupation and hostilities, almost everything in some settlements of the right bank of the Kherson region was destroyed. In the village of Zarichne, part of the Vysokopillia territorial community, not only was the infrastructure damaged by enemy shelling, but also the school, kindergarten, cultural center, green spaces, and areas for children's and youth leisure activities.

Recovery isn't always about large-scale projects and long-term plans. Equally important are initiatives that meet the immediate needs of the community, especially those that can be initiated and implemented quickly to help life return to normal. In Zarichne, with the support of the NGO "Southern Development Strategy" and local authorities, caring residents created a sports and recreation area for children. Now, children in Zarichne can not only engage in sports, but the new playground will also serve as a place for socializing and community gatherings.

Rubryka covers this initiative in detail at the link.

"Kotsiubynskyi": retreat space in the Carpathians

The cool Carpathian wind, the sound of the river rushing past the house, and mountains that seem to tap on the windows—sometimes cloaked in fog, other times revealed in full. These are the everyday sights for visitors to the "Kotsiubynskyi" bookstore and coffee shop, located in the village of Verkhniy Yaseniv in the Ivano-Frankivsk region. Anna Pavlichenko, the owner, is eager to share this peaceful view with everyone. This October, she is welcoming servicemen, veterans, and women veterans to come and enjoy the tranquility of nature.

Rubryka shares the story behind this space at the link.

How Smart Garden teaches entrepreneurship to teenagers

The Ukrainian agricultural industry is a vital pillar of the country's economy, and its importance will only grow after the war. Agriculture is expected to play a key role in Ukraine's recovery, especially in the early stages, with youth playing a significant part in its development. Therefore, efforts must be made now to engage the younger generation in the sector so they can begin working as soon as the country achieves victory.

The Ukrainian agribusiness company Continental Farmers Group wants to engage young people in agriculture and teach them the basics of plant cultivation, agronomy, and financial literacy. It started the project called "Smart Garden: Microgreens," where students learn to grow healthy produce, learn business fundamentals, earn their first income, and take part in volunteer activities.

Rubryka shares more details about the Smart City project at the link.

How the first school for female construction equipment operators works

The first school for female construction equipment operators in Ukraine has been established at Nemishaieve Vocational College in the Kyiv region. Over a 9-week course, participants learn to operate modern construction machinery, including backhoe loaders, telehandlers, and skid steers.

"I dreamed of teaching women to operate heavy construction machinery even before the war," says Yuliia Skichko, head of ALEF STROY Group. "However, there were no grounds to implement it back then, as there were still enough men on construction sites. The idea became a necessity with the onset of Russia's full-scale invasion. I realized we would face a significant workforce shortage in the industry. We needed to act immediately and showcase the potential of women in this field."

Read everything you wanted to know about the project in our material.

Rehabilitation of the military who lost their sight due to war

Losing your sight turns the world upside down. Suddenly, tasks that used to be second nature become painstakingly difficult. Every sound feels louder and sharper. Ukrainian veterans who've lost their vision because of the war must relearn everything, and having someone by their side makes all the difference. That's where the Contemporary View comes in. Rubryka shares the story of this Ukrainian nonprofit that runs rehabilitation camps for veterans and teaches them fundamental skills — from using a phone to navigating the city.

"Stopping is also a solution"

Since the start of Russia's full-scale invasion, Ukrainians have faced unprecedented challenges, from the loss of loved ones and destruction of homes to forced displacement and ongoing stress. All of this takes place against a backdrop of constant fear and uncertainty. Among those most in need of psychological and emotional support are individuals working in professions centered on helping others. Despite their own struggles, these people—psychologists, teachers, and parents—continue to assist, support, and guide others.

The "Station: Me" project aims to strengthen the mental health of people working in "person-to-person" roles, helping them prevent burnout and restore their emotional resources. Active in the Sumy and Poltava regions, this initiative is supported by UNICEF and implemented by the non-governmental organization "The Centre of Psychological Help 'Confidence'," with funding from the Norwegian government.

Rubryka spoke to the project specialists about the process.

Turning plastic caps into drones

The idea of collecting plastic bottle caps for charity isn't new in Ukraine. Social media has been flooded for years with posts about collection points and calls to participate. Yet, despite widespread visibility, many still don't fully grasp why bottle caps are being collected, what happens after they're donated, or their impact.

We turned to the experts behind Ukraine's largest cap collection campaigns to uncover the whole story. Olena Bratslavska, manager of the Rada Environmental Enterprise, and Tetiana Rudenko, leader of the OWES charity organization, explained what types of caps to collect, how many it takes to make a real difference, and how collecting bottle caps can benefit the environment and people.