Mission and Vision
Our mission
In a world marked by uncertainty, Nadiya exists to serve as a vital bridge between past hardships and future possibilities. Our mission is to empower refugees with the opportunities, resources, and support that they need to create a brighter, more promising future.
About us
We are more than just a charity; we are a community-driven force committed to fostering a sense of belonging, restoring dignity, and ensuring a brighter future for those displaced by conflict and persecution.
We believe that every individual — regardless of their origin — deserves the chance to flourish and contribute to society. Our unwavering commitment to this cause drives every aspect of our work.
From sponsorship and visa guidance to arranging travel to the U.K., from providing short-term housing to finding a place to call home, from searching for a new job to settling into life here, and so much more — we equip refugees with the opportunities they need to succeed in their adopted communities.
Our impact goes beyond the individual; it reverberates through families, communities, and societies. Together, we aim to transform lives and contribute to a more compassionate world.
Derek Edwards and Anna Merchuk, Nadiya’s Co-Founders.
Our values
Compassion: We are driven by a deep sense of empathy and concern for the wellbeing of refugees and strive to provide compassionate support that honours their dignity and resilience.
Respect: We recognise the unique experiences and cultural backgrounds of refugees and treat them with the utmost respect, sensitivity, and openness.
Inclusivity: We believe that all refugees, regardless of their ethnicity, religion, gender, or orientation, deserve equal access to support, and strive to create an inclusive environment that welcomes and embraces diversity.
Collaboration: We recognise that effective refugee support requires a collaborative effort that leverages the strengths and resources of multiple organisations and stakeholders, and actively seek out and engage in partnerships and collaborations that amplify our impact.
Empowerment: We believe in the capacity of refugees to rebuild their lives and contribute to society, and strive to provide them with the tools, resources, and opportunities they need to achieve their aspirations.
Accountability: We are committed to transparency, integrity, and accountability in all aspects of our work, and strive to continually monitor, evaluate, and improve the effectiveness of our services.
Innovation: We are creative, adaptable, and forward-thinking in our approach to refugee support, and continually seek out new and innovative solutions to the complex challenges facing refugees.
How did we get here?
Well, it all started with a minibus. In March 2022, our co-founder Derek Edwards — a businessman and philanthropist who played a humanitarian role in the Calais Jungle refugee encampment in early 2016 — purchased a vehicle impromptu and travelled out to the Poland/Ukraine border of Korczowa-Krakovets to volunteer after being appalled by the war in Ukraine.
With a first-hand, meticulous understanding of the manifold issues inherent on the ground — gleaned from directly assisting Ukrainian refugees — Derek realised there was an urgent and growing need for a dedicated organisation to assist with the unfolding crisis.
Joined by other British volunteers, Derek supported one of his first refugees – our co-founder Anna Merchuk. Together, Derek and Anna established Nadiya — and have worked tirelessly to support refugees in need since.
While the roots of Nadiya lay in the crisis in Ukraine, we have repurposed our learning and technology to help refugees from all nations.
Anna Merchuk with the BBC’s Vitaly Shevchenko at the BBC HQ in London.
The vehicle Derek purchased to drive to Poland at the onset of the war, and which ultimately led to the inception of Nadiya. (March, 2022)
One of the first refugees Derek supported, Liudmyla, and her pet dog Lila, at Hala Kijowska, a large warehouse which was converted into a refugee support centre on the Poland/Ukraine border of Korczowa-Krakovets. (April, 2022)
Maryna, Andrii, Denys, Liudmyla and Davyd, at one of the many homes Derek rented on the Poland border to house refugees awaiting their visas for the U.K. (April, 2022)
Anna Merchuk, co-founder of Nadiya, volunteering at the Przemysl train station, Poland/Ukraine border, while waiting for her visa to the UK
Listen up.
Derek Edwards and Anna Merchuk on BBC’s Ukrainecast with Victoria Derbyshire in June 2022. They talk about Viktoriia Kovalenko’s story, origin of Nadiya, their motivation for supporting Ukraine, and our plans for the future of refugee resettlement.
“We have a legal and moral obligation to protect people fleeing bombs, bullets and tyrants, and throughout history those people have enriched our society.”
— Juliet Stevenson (English Actor)