The Ukrainian Youth Fund (UYF) continues its vital mission, actively engaging with young people in front-line regions. On May 29th representatives of the fund visited three communities in Donetsk Oblast: Druzhkivka, Kramatorsk, and Sloviansk. The visit's goal was not only to establish connections but also to involve the younger generation in the country's reconstruction and the realization of their own initiatives.
During the meetings, UYF Director Mykola Kobysia thoroughly presented the institution's work, emphasizing that the Fund is a key driver of change for Ukrainian youth. Despite the full-scale war, Ukraine's youth are actively building their future. UMF, established in 2023, has become a reliable support for youth initiatives, offering transparent grant competitions. These programs stimulate volunteering for victory and post-war reconstruction, enhance youth competencies through non-formal education, and foster their economic independence. Mr. Kobysia underscored that UYF isn't limited to just distributing financial resources. The Fund provides informational and consultative support, actively collaborates with international partners, and develops strategic documents that shape the country's youth policy. Thus, today's challenges are transforming into opportunities for the growth and development of a new generation of Ukrainians.
After the introductory presentation, specialists from the Ukrainian Youth Fund conducted a training on writing grant applications. Participants learned about the "SMART" project design method, which helps create clear and achievable projects. The youth learned to formulate goals, justify them, plan actions, and set deadlines. Importantly, the knowledge gained didn't remain theoretical. Immediately after the training, participants applied it in practice. They worked on ideas that met the current needs of Donetsk Oblast's communities and considered future prospects after Victory. This shows that young people are ready to act and are already laying the groundwork for the region's recovery.
Liliia Zolkina, Head of the Family, Youth, and National-Patriotic Education Department of the Regional State Administration, emphasized the critical importance of the younger generation in the reconstruction process of Donetsk Oblast. According to her, these active and proactive young people are already forming the foundation for the future. They aren't waiting for better times; they're acting now, demonstrating remarkable courage and a desire for change. Such meetings once again prove that idealistic youth need systemic support. By investing in their development today, the community gains responsible leaders tomorrow, capable of rebuilding and developing the country.