Participant of the regional contest "Young Person of the Year – 2025" in the nomination "Youth Worker of the Year" Alina Tokareva
I was born and raised in Kramatorsk. It's not just a city—it's my heart, tempered by war and filled with love for its people. In 2018, having just finished my studies, I started working in the Department for Humanitarian Affairs of the Kramatorsk City Council. Since then, my daily work has been dedicated to what I believe in: the development of youth policy and national-patriotic education.
Today, despite the war, I remain in my hometown. My front line is here. I work, support the community, find meaning, and create spaces for memory and development, because I believe that even in the darkest of nights, we must build the dawn.
In 2016, I completed the basic training for the "Youth Worker" Program, and now I am the curator of the third convocation of the Kramatorsk Youth Council. Youth are not just the future; they are the voice of change today. And my job is to help that voice become louder, more confident, and heard.
Among the projects that have become especially important is the online memorial platform "Heavenly Army of Kramatorsk," dedicated to the fallen Defenders of the community. It is a place where their names, stories, and photos are preserved, and we maintain contact with the Heroes' families. We also created a series of video podcasts, "Kramatorsk – City of Unconquered Heroes," about our contemporaries: soldiers, volunteers, doctors, and educators, to show the daily human resilience that shapes our new local narrative. Additionally, work is underway on the "Book of Memory of the Kramatorsk Community"—an attempt to mend the wounds of war with words of gratitude, because each story is another thread in the fabric of our identity. I also participate in the volunteer and coordination activities of the "Y.E.S.: Youth – a Pillar of Resilience" project, where we work with young people in wartime conditions, supporting their mental health and activity. Within the "Leadership for the Restoration of Donetsk Region" project, I presented the initiative "Flags Holding the Sky"—a memorial space in honor of those who hold up our sky and our land.
I am constantly learning—from project management to mental health topics—because I know that to support others, I must continuously develop myself.
When my strength runs out, the people around me save me. Those who work, volunteer, and defend. Their resilience is my support. And that's why I hold my front line. Not with a weapon, but with a word, an action, and support. Because someone has to be there for the youth so they don't lose themselves in these turbulent times.
My belief is simple: youth are not just the future of the Donetsk region; they are its present. And they are capable not only of rebuilding what has been destroyed but also of building something better than before! I believe in this! And that's why I am here.