Youth Connect for Ukraine aims to support young Ukrainians to lead fulfilling and purposeful lives, wherever they are living. It aspires to support young people, including women, girls and those from disadvantaged groups affected by the war in Ukraine to have the skills and motivation to build connections in their local context and influence their own future and their communities.
We are designing training and activities to build leadership attributes that are needed in times of disruption and to support the social development of young people.
The programme’s ambition is to meet the needs of young leaders from Ukraine and Europe (aged 16–30) and equip them with the skills, resources and networks that they need to provide leadership in their current communities and in a reconstructed Ukraine as part of a European network.
In the first year of implementation, the programme took place in Ukraine, Poland and Romania, where it offered leadership training and integration events in a variety of locations. The training included skills development and learning opportunities, access to information, support from experts and opportunities for networking and exchanging.
The programme is open to young leaders from Ukraine who might be internally displaced or who are currently living in Romania, and to young participants from the local communities who are interested in leadership and creating positive relationships within their communities.
In Romania, our activities focus on leadership training and integration days are taking place in Oradea and Tulcea.
Training Course in Tulcea | 28 February–2 March 2025
Over the course of three days, participants will cultivate essential leadership and entrepreneurial skills, establish a robust network and collaborate on impactful social initiatives aimed at addressing genuine community challenges. Together, we will drive change and bolster youth leadership within our region.
Upon completion of the training, participants will have the opportunity to implement their own initiatives within the community, with funding provided as part of the project.
Venue
Tulcea Youth House (Strada Isaccei 24, Tulcea)
Eligibility criteria
- Romanian or Ukrainian residents of Tulcea
- Aged 16–30
Training schedule
- Friday 28 February, 10.00–18.00
- Saturday 1 March, 10.00–18.00
- Sunday 2 March, 10.00–14.00
Participation is free – All we require is your passion and commitment!
The training will be conducted in English, with Ukrainian translation available if needed.
Lunch and coffee breaks will be provided on all training days.
Training Course in Oradea | 13–16 February 2025
During this four-day programme, attendees developed crucial leadership and entrepreneurial abilities, formed a strong network and worked together on meaningful social projects designed to tackle real community issues. Collectively, we are fostering change and enhancing youth leadership in our area.
After the training, participants have the chance to launch their own community initiatives, with financial support provided through the project.
Venue
Oradea Youth House (Calea Alexandru Cazaban 49, Oradea)
Eligibility criteria
- Romanian or Ukrainian residents of Oradea
- Aged 16–30
Training schedule
- Thursday 13 February, 18.00–20.00
- Friday 14 February, 10.00–17.00
- Saturday 15 February, 10.00–17.00
- Sunday 16 February, 10.00–14.00
The training was conducted in English, with Ukrainian translation available.
Partner
Our partner on this project is the National Youth Foundation from Bucharest.
The National Youth Foundation’s mission is to support young people to reach their full potential. The organisation is currently co-ordinating ten youth centres in the following cities in Romania: Bucharest, Suceava, Tulcea, Timisoara, Oradea, Targu Jiu, Ploiesti, Botosani, Targoviste, Ramnicu Valcea.
Since the onset of the Ukraine situation, the National Youth Foundation has been responding to the influx of Ukrainian refugees, providing humanitarian support, equipping transit centres and supporting young Ukrainians arriving in Romania.