Polina Gurkina, a participant in the regional “Young Person of the Year 2026” contest in the “Energy of Care and Support” category
Polina Gurkina has dedicated her work to supporting people, fostering youth development, and creating a safe and comfortable environment for children. While still a university student, she represented the Faculty of Social Sciences and Humanities on the student senate, advocating for the interests of young people and gaining her first experience in civic engagement.
Working with children became a key focus of her professional career. After completing camp counselor training courses, Polina worked at the “Pearl of Donetsk Region” camp, and when full-scale war broke out, while in Vinnytsia, she helped children as an activity leader and nanny, creating a space of care and emotional support for them. She later joined the team at the “YaMariupol” support center for displaced persons, where she led creative workshops and events for children and families who had been forced to leave their homes.
Today, Polina works as a cultural projects specialist, organizing exhibitions, youth events, and art workshops, and she actively participates in initiatives to support Ukrainian prisoners of war and defenders of Ukraine.
Through her daily work, Polina Gurkina proves that compassion, humanity, and a sense of responsibility can unite the community, support people during the most difficult times, and strengthen society.