What is Balakun
Balakun is a bridge between passionate volunteer mentors from around the world and Ukrainians eager to learn or practice English, or other languages, or other skills.
Balakun (Балакун) is Ukrainian for 'Chatterbox'. We create opportunities for meaningful connections, interesting conversations, and mutual learning.
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Mission
To empower Ukrainians - especially those who remain in the country and defend it - by providing access to knowledge, language and practical skills, and international connections through a global network of volunteer mentors.
Balakun is a social network for learning, where education is not transactional but relational: a space where personal mentorship and collaborative learning spark new ideas, new friendships, and new projects that serve Ukraine’s future.
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Purpose
To connect Ukrainians and allies through learning and mentorship, where meaningful connections, an environment of dignity and collaboration enable Ukrainians to find the tools and people they need for a free and strong Ukraine.
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Values
💎 Connection Before Curriculum
Relationships are the foundation of all learning. We believe trust, empathy, and care are more important than formal credentials. Valuing growth, confidence, and real-world opportunities over certificates or scores.
💎 Solidarity Over Charity
We learn and grow together, not from a place of pity or hierarchy. Our model is horizontal: everyone gives, everyone receives.
💎 Ukraine-Centred, World-Connected
We empower Ukrainians by building bridges to international knowledge and people. We prioritise Ukrainians directly affected by the war, especially defenders and those who stay in Ukraine.
💎 Keep the Doors Open
Access matters. We strive to remove barriers to knowledge and connection. No one pays to learn or volunteer. Inclusion and simplicity are key to everything we build. We design programs that adapt and grow with the people who use them.
💎 Transparent by Default
We believe in open communication, clear goals, and honest limits. From finances to operations, we communicate openly with volunteers, students, and partners.
💎 Remain Independent
We place our mission, values, and community first, and remain independent of political, corporate, and ideological agendas.
💎 Ethics Before Everything
We uphold the dignity, safety, and privacy of every person we work with. Our engagement with students, mentors, and the public is grounded in respect, care, and adherence to legal requirements.
Our ⌛ Journey
Our transformation into a global network is a testament to the power of community and dedication. Since September 2023, we have grown from a chat group into a community of students and mentors from 81 countries.
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Feb, 20262000 mentors registered
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Jan, 20262000 students registered
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Oct, 2025Partnered with Azov Care
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Aug, 2025First 1000 matches created
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Aug, 2025The Advisory Committee started
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Jul, 2025Partnered with Leleka Foundation
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Mar, 2025Accepted as a member of the Scottish Cross Party Group for Ukraine
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Feb, 2025Affiliated with TEFL
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Dec, 2024Technical support launched
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Nov, 2024First 1000 mentors registered
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Sep, 2024The Writer's Project was launched
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Aug, 2024Rubryka article
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Aug, 2024Army Speaking Club
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Jul, 2024Received Google Workspace
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Jul, 2024
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Jun, 2024The website www.balakun.org was launched
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May, 2024First 1000 students registered
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Mar, 2024Mentors reading Zapovit translations campaign
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Mar, 2024Listed on the Volunteering Ukraine website
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Dec, 2023"A Bridge to Ukraine" Podcast
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Nov, 2023Combined with Tutors4Ukraine
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Sep, 2023
Balakun
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in media
Jul, 2025
A radio show "[IN] JUSTICE" by Alina Sarnatska on KyivFM radio
Aug, 2024
To help Ukrainians learn English, hundreds of native speakers joined forces and opened new opportunities for language-learners. Rubryka will tell you about the Balakun initiative — a bridge between passionate volunteer mentors from around the world and Ukrainians eager to learn or practice English.
Jun, 2024
Today, we will be chatting with Rivkah and Yana from Balakun, the language/culture connection initiative dedicated to building connections between supporters of Ukraine and Ukrainians. We will be talking about Balakun, the Spanish program of Balakun and ways you can support their work. Slava Ukraini!
Mar, 2024
I'm happy to welcome Sandi (New Zealand) and Vit (Ukraine) to the stream and talk about their pproject to teach Ukrainians English!
Feb, 2024
At Tridents Against Tyrants, we analyze global news as it pertains to both the war in Ukraine and the country's broader future prosperity. We also fundraise to support those in Ukraine who need it the most.
Today, we will be joined by San of the Balakun project! We will also discuss the recent progress in the US Senate toward aid for Ukraine and other US allies, the situation at the frontlines in Ukraine, and our ongoing fundraisers for the 110th mechanized brigade in Avdiivka.