Marina Novikova, Social Worker and Development Manager at the IOANNIV Center, took part in an international study visit to Latvia, which marked the final stage of a training programme for rehabilitation centres organized by SILab Ukraine, the Ukrainian Social Investment Fund (USIF), and their Latvian partners.
Following the presentation of the final projects in Kyiv, the IOANNIV Center was selected among the top five participants from across Ukraine. This achievement reflects the Center’s commitment to implementing modern, evidence-based approaches to rehabilitation and continuously improving the quality of its services.
The study visit was also joined by Inna Oliinyk, Head of the Department of Social Protection of the Pidhorodne Territorial Community. Their participation highlighted the importance of cooperation between rehabilitation professionals, local communities, and public authorities in developing sustainable rehabilitation services.
During the visit, the Ukrainian delegation explored the work of several leading rehabilitation institutions in Latvia, including the National Rehabilitation Centre Vaivari, the Jaunķemeri Rehabilitation Centre, and the POGA Rehabilitation Centre. Participants learned about the organization of rehabilitation services, innovative treatment methods, and the multidisciplinary approach that forms the foundation of effective rehabilitation.
As part of the programme, Marina Novikova also spoke at the international forum “Cross-Sectoral Cooperation for the Development of Sustainable Rehabilitation Services: Ukraine–Latvia Dialogue,” held in Riga. During her presentation, “Beyond Rehabilitation: From Recovery to Independent Living,” she shared the IOANNIV Center’s experience and presented the Ukrainian approach to comprehensive rehabilitation, which combines medical, psychological, and social support to help individuals regain independence.
The forum brought together experts from Ukraine and Latvia to discuss current challenges in medical and social rehabilitation, cross-sectoral cooperation, sustainable service development, innovative technologies, and the role of multidisciplinary teams in the rehabilitation process. The event also created valuable opportunities for professional exchange and the establishment of new international partnerships.
The IOANNIV Center sincerely thanks the Latvian Samaritan Association, the POGA Rehabilitation Centre, the National Rehabilitation Centre Vaivari, the Jaunķemeri Rehabilitation Centre, the Ukrainian Social Investment Fund (USIF), SILab Ukraine, New Door Latvia, and the Pidhorodne Territorial Community for their partnership, openness, and support in making this important international study visit possible.
The study visit provided an opportunity to learn from some of Europe’s leading rehabilitation providers, exchange practical experience with international colleagues, and identify effective solutions that can be adapted to the Ukrainian context. At the IOANNIV Center, we believe that high-quality rehabilitation should always be based on evidence, professional collaboration, and continuous learning.