In mid-February, specialists from the regional administration's department for family, youth, and mass events of national-patriotic education met with young people from the Staromlynivska community who are temporarily residing in Kryvyi Rih. Despite the challenges of war, relocation, and life in new conditions, the youth of Donetsk region remain a driving force for change.
The meeting took place at the Volnovakha district IDP support center "Side by Side," which has become a real "island of home" for the people of Donetsk. During the meeting, the department's specialists presented regional programs and opportunities available in the region. Particular attention was paid to psychological resilience, the importance of maintaining ties with their home communities, project activities, and the affirmation of Ukrainian national and civic identity.
Lilia Zolkina, head of the department of family, youth, and mass events of national-patriotic education of the regional state administration, noted:
"Meetings of this format are extremely important, because this is how we can learn about pressing issues and encourage young people to participate in regional and national events. The youth of Staromlynivka are very powerful and active. We are currently working on creating a platform for youth interaction in Kryvyi Rih so that they can continue to develop and, most importantly, not lose their regional identity."
In addition, a visit was made to the hub "With Bakhmut in Our Hearts," where management specialists talked with Bakhmut residents who, even from a distance, maintain strong ties with their hometown. This space has become not just a distribution point for aid, but a real center of unity: young people and adults have implemented a social wardrobe project, where anyone can receive and provide assistance in the form of clothing.
The meetings ended with informal communication, during which everyone had the opportunity to express their own suggestions for future joint projects. As a result, a plan for further cooperation was outlined: the creation of a platform for interaction and support for young people from Donetsk region in Kryvyi Rih, which will stimulate the development of their potential.