УКР July 9, 2025 — Leleka Foundation is proud to announce a new partnership with Balakun, an international community organization registered as a nonprofit in Norway, and dedicated to building global connections through language and community. Balakun provides accessible language education, practice, and mentorship to those affected by the war in Ukraine. Their mission is to empower individuals, support recovery, and build bridges through education and human connection.
Balakun unites volunteers from across the globe to help Ukrainians unlock international opportunities through free language mentoring — primarily in English, but also in other world languages.
This partnership strengthens Leleka Foundation’s broader mission of supporting Ukrainians not only on the front lines but throughout the processes of recovery, resilience, and reintegration. The partnership is also a mutual support and advocacy agreement between the two organizations. Based on shared values and trust, this non-binding collaboration reflects goodwill, flexibility, and mutual respect.
“Partnering with Leleka is a powerful step for Balakun,” said Dr. Sandi Dempsey, Executive Director and Founder of Balakun.
“Our mission is to support Ukrainians affected by the war — including active military and veterans — through learning, connection, and community. Leleka’s work delivering lifesaving medical aid aligns directly with that mission. We’re proud to stand alongside a Ukrainian-led organization with deep local insight, proven impact, and shared values.”
“This partnership also strengthens one of our core goals: building meaningful connections. By connecting our communities, we create new pathways to raise awareness, build solidarity, and extend support for each other's work — amplifying our support for Ukraine now and in the future.”
Through this collaboration, Leleka Foundation and Balakun will work together to provide Ukrainian veterans, front-line medics, and civilians with access to language skills, confidence-building tools, and the global community. In a time when communication and international solidarity are more important than ever, this partnership offers both practical resources and deeper personal support.
“At Leleka Foundation, we believe in saving lives and rebuilding futures. This partnership with Balakun is a powerful extension of our mission — helping veterans and field medics connect with the world, access new opportunities, and share their voices,” said Vadim Geshel, President of Leleka Foundation. “We are honored to collaborate with a like-minded organization committed to healing, education, and global solidarity.”
Both teams are currently collaborating on several joint projects aimed at creating meaningful and lasting impact in Ukrainian communities. These initiatives will be announced soon.
