The main challenge is to engage and empower young people in post-war recovery efforts, ensuring they are prepared to face future challenges and become leaders of change in their communities. The war context in Ukraine has left many young individuals without clear pathways for education, employment and civic engagement. By holding educational events, we aim to provide young people with the skills, knowledge and inspiration needed to actively participate in rebuilding their communities. These initiatives will focus on developing leadership qualities, fostering a sense of responsibility and encouraging innovative thinking. Ultimately, our goal is to create a resilient youth population capable of driving positive change and contributing to the long-term recovery and development of Ukraine.
Root Causes: The war has disrupted education systems, caused widespread displacement and led to economic instability. These factors have contributed to a lack of opportunities and support for young people.
Actors Involved:
– Local government and community leaders;
– Educational institutions and training organizations;
– Non-governmental organizations (NGOs) like ours;
– International organizations and donors.
Consequences:
– High youth unemployment and underemployment;
– Decreased civic engagement and participation;
– Brain drain as young people migrate for better opportunities;
– Psychological trauma and a lack of social cohesion.
Impact:
– Youth are disengaged and disillusioned with their future prospects;
– Communities struggle to recover and rebuild without active youth participation;
– The long-term economic and social development of Ukraine is hindered.
Possible Solutions:
– Organizing educational events to enhance skills and knowledge;
– Establishing leadership academies to nurture future leaders;
– Providing platforms for youth to engage in community projects;
– Offering psychological support and community-building activities.
Join us in empowering Ukraine’s youth to shape a brighter future.
Together we can equip youth with the tools they need to rebuild their communities, become leaders of change and contribute to a more prosperous and resilient future for Ukraine.
BEST PRACTICES
– The Leadership School pilots are successful practices that were implemented thanks to the “Resilient Europe” project. They engaged around 50 active young people from Zakarpattia region, offering participants expert sessions focused on developing key skills such as leadership, strategic thinking, effective communication and teamwork. The successful implementation of the pilots not only reaffirmed the significant potential of Ukrainian youth as agents of change during the crisis and post-crisis recovery period, but was also crucial for the development of the final training modules for youth workers, providing direct feedback and ensuring the content’s relevance.
– The UPSHIFT Program is a global initiative of the UNICEF. Its general objective is to equip young people and adolescents with 21st-century skills, enabling them to identify and solve pressing problems within their own communities. The program achieves this through a core methodology that includes intensive training based on Human-Centered Design (HCD) and Social Innovation. NGO “Youth Space” implemented the program specifically in the Zakarpattia region during 2023-2024, as part of the broader “Youth Potential Development in Western Regions of Ukraine” initiative. Through this effort, we directly involved 275 young people in training, providing them with the necessary tools and resources to become agents of change within their local communities. This work culminated in the selection of 10 youth teams for mentorship, who then applied their skills to implement social innovation projects.
– Youth Connect for Ukraine is the project implemented by NGO “Youth Space” in collaboration with the British Council in Uzhhorod, Zakarpattia, Ukraine. Its overarching goal was to empower a new generation of youth leaders who could effectively respond to contemporary challenges and contribute to the sustainable development of their communities. The initiative provided high-quality non-formal education through a five-day intensive training program and pop-up events for a wider audience , focusing on skills like leadership, critical thinking, mental health, and project management. Crucially, participants were guided to develop and successfully implement six of their own local social action mini-projects.
Additional info:
Engaging young people in post-war recovery is not only essential for immediate stabilization but also crucial for the long-term resilience and prosperity of Ukraine. Our approach will prioritize inclusivity, ensuring that young people from diverse backgrounds and regions have the opportunity to participate and contribute. By fostering a sense of community and shared purpose, we aim to empower the next generation to lead Ukraine towards a brighter, more resilient future.
Co-funded by the European Union. Views and opinions expressed are however those of the authors only and do not necessarily reflect those of the European Union or the Youth Institute (INJUVE). Neither the European Union nor the granting authority can be held responsible for them.
We have sent a password reset message to your email address. Please follow the instructions in the email.
Your password has been successfully set. You can now log in with your new password.
