Participant of the regional contest "Young Person of the Year – 2025" in the nomination "A Heart Given to Donetsk Region" Elmira Chepiha
Elmira Chepiha is the coordinator of volunteer and youth programs at the "Slaviansk Cultural Center 'Zadzerkallia'" public organization (since 2022) and the head of the "Country of Development" public organization. Elmira is a leader and an active participant in community life, constantly taking part in the development and implementation of youth, volunteer, and community initiatives.
Since February 24, 2022, she has been coordinating the work of the volunteer center in the city of Slaviansk and has created a current database of volunteers from all over the country who are involved in addressing humanitarian issues and the needs of the population. She regularly updates the information database on safe evacuation options and the search for housing or accommodation for people in immediate need.
Since the full-scale invasion, the Coordination Center's team has provided assistance to 35,320 people in the Donetsk and Luhansk regions, both in the combat zone and in regions that have accepted internally displaced persons (IDPs).
Under Elmira's leadership, the volunteer project "Humanitarian Mission in the Slaviansk Community" was successfully implemented with financial support from the European Union, carried out by the "100% Life Rivne" Charitable Foundation, which is aimed at helping the local community. As a result of this project, 630 people, including IDPs and local residents, received food kits and hygiene products.
From August 2022 to April 2023, Elmira served as an assistant coordinator at the "VilnoHub" Safe Space in Kropyvnytskyi, Kirovohrad Oblast. There, she engaged young IDPs in participating in various events, including media literacy, cybersecurity, mine safety, combating human trafficking, soft adaptation and support for young IDPs, and psycho-emotional support. She also facilitated effective communication among the center's visitors. During the hub's operation, more than a hundred participants gained access to the local networking community and were involved in co-organizing "VilnoHub" events and humanitarian response efforts in the Kirovohrad Oblast.
Elmira is responsible, communicative, proactive, persistent, punctual, and creative. She always strives to improve and enhance her professional skills. In her work, she uses innovative approaches, is always tactful and people-centered, and adheres to the organization's policies.
Since May 2024, in collaboration with AVSI partners, she has been implementing the CHILDREN project—a Community Hub for Inclusive Learning and Development for Rapid Emergency Networking in the Dnipropetrovsk and Donetsk regions. This project aims to improve the well-being and resilience of the most vulnerable populations affected by the ongoing conflict by providing specialized and needs-adapted educational assistance, MHPSS (Mental Health and Psychosocial Support), and child protection services.
Since August 2024, with the public organization "Zakhody" and in partnership with the "Country of Development" public organization, she has been coordinating a mini-grant competition for youth teams called "DIY Community." The goal of this project is to enhance youth participation and build the capacity of youth organizations in the Donetsk region.
Elmira Chepiha is a true leader whose work has helped thousands of people. By uniting people, providing essential aid, and creating opportunities for growth, she proves that resilience and hope can thrive even in the most challenging times.