Compass of Dreams is a charitable organisation helping young people from temporarily occupied territories return to Ukraine. We work within the Ukrainian President’s initiative Bring Kids Back UA and in close coordination with public institutions and civil society organisations.
An anonymised image based on a real photograph of one of the young women we support. We value privacy and do not publish the faces of the people we support without their consent.
Our mission
Hundreds of thousands of Ukrainian teenagers and young adults are living under Russian occupation. We believe that helping each young person return is more than a humanitarian act: it is an investment in Ukraine’s future.
Our work is confidential, free of charge and built around continued support. We do not leave people on their own after returning — we help for as long as they need us.
Carefully planned journeys
Every journey involves gathering information, assessing risks, planning the route and providing support throughout.
Restoring documents
We help obtain and restore passports, certificates and other documents needed for education and state support.
Support after returning
Psychological support, education programmes, help with housing and access to employment.
Working together
Our partners
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Journeys home
Behind every journey is a person and a new beginning
Meet young Ukrainians who chose a future in free Ukraine, and learn about the support they need after returning.
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Alina · still from a Tochka Skhodu video
01Returning home
Alina returned to Ukraine after four years in Russia
Alina was taken from an occupied village near Mariupol to Russia at the age of 15. She spent almost four years far from home, but never gave up her wish to return to Ukraine.
Anton · photograph by Mykola Tymchenko for Rubryka
02Returning home
Anton returned to Ukraine after twelve years in occupied Luhansk
Anton was eight when Russia occupied Luhansk. He grew up surrounded by propaganda and constant checks, but taught himself Ukrainian by watching films and series through a VPN and writing down unfamiliar words.
Dina Urikh with Bohdan · personal archive photograph published by Novyny Donbasu
03Support after returning
Bohdan received help with his journey and support after returning
Our project organised Bohdan’s departure from occupied Crimea and stayed by his side after he arrived. Returning home does not end at the border: documents, housing, adjustment and rebuilding plans all lie ahead.
A resident of occupied Donetsk · photograph provided by Sofia to Suspilne Donbas
04A new beginning
Sofia returned from Donetsk and now helps others feel that they are welcome here
Sofia lived under occupation for more than ten years. She faced threats for her pro-Ukrainian views, while missing documents and dozens of refusals left her with little hope of leaving. Donbas SOS referred her to our project, whose team helped arrange a route through Belarus.
A 19-year-old girl and her older sister have been returned from the temporarily occupied territories as part of the Bring Kids Back UA initiative
Two sisters who had lived in the temporarily occupied territory of Ukraine for three and a half years have been brought out. Nineteen-year-old Olha and her older sister Valentyna are now in Ukrainian-controlled territory.
Determination and love for Ukraine: Alina’s return
Alina was taken from an occupied village near Mariupol to Russia at 15. Four years later, she returned to Ukraine, restored her documents and began a new life.
Video
Meeting in person for the first time: Bohdan’s journey from occupied Crimea
Dina Urikh helped Bohdan prepare to leave the occupied peninsula. This report shows them meeting in person for the first time after his return.
Video
Almost a special mission: volunteers helping young people escape occupation
Risk assessment, route planning, documents and support after leaving: an RFI Ukrainian video featuring Dina Urikh.
Young people who returned from occupation share their stories
The report brings together two separate stories: Anton, who received support from our organisation, and Anastasiia, who is not a beneficiary of our programme.
University access and adjustment: supporting applicants from occupied territories
Dina Urikh explains what young applicants from occupied territories need: clear guidance, preparation programmes and continued help with adjusting to a new life.
