Mykhailo Balzhi, a participant in the regional “Young Person of the Year – 2026” competition in the “Impulse for Youth Initiatives” category
Mykhailo Balzhi is an IT teacher, leader of a beekeeping club, community activist, and beekeeper who demonstrates that love for one's hometown can inspire meaningful change.
After graduating in Kyiv, Mykhailo returned to Velyka Novosilka to contribute to the development of his community. He initiated the installation of the "I Love Velyka Novosilka" landmark, organized environmental clean-up campaigns, tree-planting initiatives, and other community improvement projects. Although the full-scale war forced him to leave his home and disrupted many of his plans, it did not diminish his determination to serve people.
After evacuation, Mykhailo rebuilt his apiary almost from scratch and established an innovative online beekeeping club that has united children from across Ukraine and abroad for the past three years. Through live online broadcasts, original educational videos, and modern digital tools, he teaches young people about sustainable beekeeping, environmental awareness, and respect for nature.
He also actively supports charitable initiatives by donating honey to his students and Ukrainian defenders. Mykhailo's work is a powerful example of resilience, civic responsibility, and the belief that one dedicated individual can inspire an entire community to create positive change.