Three stories of change when a community trusts youth

Eleventh-grade students who changed the lives of cyclists

After participating in a youth training programme, four eleventh-graders decided to collaborate and do something useful for their city — so they entered a grant competition. They conducted a survey at their school and found that everyone had the same problem: a lack of bicycle parking. This inspired them to come up with the idea of setting up convenient bicycle parking near schools.

“We didn't just want to provide facilities for our lyceum students. It was important for us to change residents' attitudes towards the environment, the city and young people,” says Nastia Kotiv, project co-initiator.

The students negotiated with contractors and developed a strategy for promoting the project. They organised environmental training sessions, created interactive lecture formats, and handed out reflective bracelets to make students visible in the dark.

“We wanted to do something useful for our city. So that in five years' time we could proudly say that we did it,” says Marta Tymofiyiv, co-author of the idea.

Through their efforts the students managed to install 20 bicycle parking spaces near schools in Kolomyia. They also sparked a discussion about safe cycling in the city and responsible attitudes towards nature.

“It would have been different if the city authorities had done it. But now we have 11th graders who have learnt management, confidence, and communication skills. This is their experience and their success. I am glad that I was able to support them on their journey,” says Maksym Verdesh, coordinator of the NGO Ekogvatl.

A sewing workshop opens up new opportunities for people with disabilities

Another project supported by our grant competition is a sewing workshop set up by the NGO Just in Time. This NGO teaches young people with disabilities how to sew, thus opening up new employment opportunities. But most importantly, the workshop helps young people to believe in themselves and recognise their own worth.

“As a parent of a child with special needs, I understand the challenges faced by such families. At best, children with disabilities get into kindergarten or school. And then what? Most of them stay at home. That's why we worked hard to create an additional space for their development,” says Iryna Yurakh, founder of the EcoSumka workshop.

One of the main tasks of the project was the creation of a space where everyone could work comfortably. Young people have different illnesses—some get tired more quickly, while others are sensitive to bright light or loud noises. Therefore, the organisers took everything into account, from noise and lighting levels to safety and convenience. The grant made it possible to purchase modern equipment and provide training for young people.

“Space for the Soul” is a place where future educators can develop

At Kolomyia Pedagogical College, students and teachers created “Space for the Soul”—a welcoming space where students can develop their strengths and learn new skills. Here, future teachers learn facilitation, tutoring, and non-formal educational practices.

They believe that learning begins not with a textbook, but with a person. It is necessary to take their characteristics and interests into account to achieve the best results.

“We dreamed of a space where we could be ourselves, grow, and feel supported. When we created it, we realised that nothing is impossible for us,” say the students who initiated the project.

Young people are rebuilding their communities

Youth have taken up the challenge of solving the kinds of problems that adults usually talk about: accessibility, safety, the environment, education, and support. They may not have had much experience, but they had an idea and a desire to take action. Thanks to their perseverance and courage, they have achieved results. What's important is that they are striving for change even during the war. This shows that young people see their future in Ukraine and want to start developing and rebuilding it now.