Language

Wednesday, December 28, 2022

Ukraine’s youth have shown incredible bravery and resilience amid Russia’s war. Across Ukraine and even from abroad, young people have come together to support each other and their fellow citizens. One example is the Ukrainian members of the European Democracy Youth Network (EDYN), a platform supported by USAID, the International Republican Institute, and the National Democratic Institute. EDYN brings together young leaders in Europe and Eurasia who are committed to advancing democracy and civic engagement in their countries, including Ukraine.   

Leaving Kyiv amid heavy shelling in the first days of the war, six EDYN members found themselves in Mukachevo, a small city situated at the border of Ukraine, Slovakia, and Hungary. Relying on their large network of contacts in Europe, they set to work organizing the delivery of humanitarian aid to Ukraine.

“We all made dozens of calls to organize the delivery of goods and medicine to those in urgent need. All of this under numerous air raid sirens and [while receiving] devastating news [about the war],” recalls Yulian Krytsak, one of the activists. “At that time [a colleague’s] home was used as a warehouse for humanitarian aid,” he adds.

With the number of requests growing all the time, the group faced an urgent need to both streamline their processes and find a more suitable location to store supplies. 

Common Purpose, Common Challenges

As the EDYN team continued to work in Mukachevo, they met dozens of young activists displaced from other parts of the country. They had common interests, and faced common challenges.

“Some didn’t have a computer… and parents working remotely were seeking activities to educate their children,” recalls EDYN member Karolina Svyryda.

Fleeing the frontlines, these young activists were disconnected from their networks and searching for both community and purpose. In response, EDYN group members decided to launch the Aware Zone youth hub, a space for displaced youth in Zakarpattia oblast to come together, continue working in support of Ukraine, and collaborate on new projects. 

The Aware Zone youth hub opened its doors in June with support from USAID. It now serves as a space for young people to network, give and receive mentorship, and receive skills training for things like project management, fundraising, and youth engagement. The Aware Zone team, which includes the EDYN members, has hosted more than 15 joint projects together with international and local partners. One of the most notable examples is SpivDia Dity (“Common Action for Children”), which leads daily educational activities for displaced youth in the area. The hub also responds to roughly 200 requests for humanitarian assistance each month, including the delivery of medicines to those in need.

The EDYN members strongly believe that youth play a key role in bringing Ukraine closer to victory. As Aware Zone becomes a central location for uniting youth, the team is motivated to open similar hubs throughout the country.

“Only when youth are engaged, does it make sense to formulate a vision for Ukraine’s future,” concluded Mariia Zavada, an EDYN member.

Image
Members of the USAID-supported European Democratic Youth Network set up a hub for youth activists to coordinate humanitarian assistance to those in need, carry out activities to strengthen the community, and plan projects for Ukraine’s recovery from the war.
Members of the USAID-supported European Democratic Youth Network set up a hub for youth activists to coordinate humanitarian assistance to those in need, carry out activities to strengthen the community, and plan projects for Ukraine’s recovery from the war.
Ukraine’s youth have shown incredible bravery and resilience amid Russia’s war. Across Ukraine and even from abroad, young people have come together to support each other and their fellow citizens.
EDYN group members launched the Aware Zone youth hub, a space for displaced youth in Zakarpattia oblast to come together, continue working in support of Ukraine, and collaborate on new projects.
Share This Page