Participant of the Regional Competition "Young Person of the Year — 2025" in the Nomination "Youth Worker of the Year" Daria Horshkova
My name is Daria Horshkova, I am 23 years old, and I am the secretary of the academic department at Vuhledar Professional College of Mariupol State University. I am an active participant in the youth movement and a proactive employee for whom working with youth is not just a professional activity, but a life's calling.
Until 2022, I lived in my native Vuhledar. From a young age, I actively participated in community life: I was a member of the Vuhledar City Youth Council, was involved in organizing city and regional events, participated in project management training, and engaged in volunteering. One of the most vivid experiences for me was participating in the organizing team for the cultural festival "From Country to Ukraine." All of this shaped my civic stance and my desire to develop the youth environment around me.
During my studies at college, while acquiring a qualification in the field of management, a shared dream was born with my team of proactive friends – to create a youth space near the college, which we called "Youth Park." This was an area for recreation, communication, and the implementation of youth initiatives. I became the author of several public projects aimed at improving this territory, and we began to implement the idea step by step.
After the start of the full-scale invasion in 2022, I was forced to move to Druzhkivka. Despite the circumstances, I did not stop my activities. On the contrary – I started working at my native college, which continued its educational activities remotely. This required flexibility, new approaches, and technological adaptation from me. However, even online, I was able to organize interesting and useful events for young people – flash mobs, photo contests, activities that supported students and united the team during difficult times. Throughout my professional career, I have repeatedly been awarded commendations and honorary certificates for conscientious work, high professionalism, responsible attitude to official duties, and a significant contribution to the training of student youth.
Since 2024, I have also been a member of the Coordination Council for the Affirmation of Ukrainian National and Civic Identity under the Volnovakha District State Administration, which has become a new stage of responsibility for me and an opportunity to influence important processes at the community level.
In addition, I completed my studies at Mariupol State University and earned a bachelor's degree in the field of "Social Work." This education gave me a deeper understanding of the needs of young people, contemporary social challenges, and ways to effectively interact with people. I do not stop at what I have achieved and constantly improve my qualifications.
I sincerely believe that even in the most difficult times, young people deserve support, opportunities for development, and the realization of their own ideas, and that activity, caring, and a sincere desire for change can bring real results.