From 10 to 14 November, the Berezan community hosted a five-day leadership and social entrepreneurship training for young people, “Youth Connect for Ukraine,” organised in partnership with the charitable foundation Krayina Dobroi Voli (Goodwill Country).
Young people aged 16-29 from the Berezan community – driven to uplift their hometown and open new horizons – immersed themselves in leadership, critical thinking and teamwork, then stepped forward to present social initiatives of their own. Next, participants will polish their ideas with mentors and put them forward for competitive funding to bring them to life.
On 13 November, the programme’s closing Open Day ignited a new wave of social initiatives. More than 100 participants – including 30 programme graduates and active young people from across Brovary district – came together to share experience, build connections and plan tangible changes in their communities.
The event combined non-formal learning with hands-on work. Arsen Kelichavyi, Head of Non-formal Education at the British Council Ukraine, outlined the project’s core idea, emphasising the key role of young people in driving change. There was a discussion on integrating youth initiatives into the Berezan community’s long-term strategies. Tetiana Cherniuk shared practical experience of establishing a fund and a youth council.
Participants explored ideas through interactive, expert-led activities. With Diana Pridma, they explored how to design long life cycle projects – from concept to sustainable delivery. A session with Zoia Zaporozhets focused on emotional storytelling: how to write posts that prompt action rather than disappear in the feed. In a “Human Library” format, young people received one-to-one consultations from Zoia Zaporozhets, Oleksandr Dembrovskyi (psychological resilience), Tetiana Pikhtina (entrepreneurship), Diana Pridma and Kateryna Bilokhvist (emotional intelligence). Each team left with a clear plan to deliver its idea and a better grasp of how to engage partners and resources.
As a symbolic finale, Aliona Franchuk guided a shared beeswax-candle ritual, sealing a promise from young leaders to “shine” and act responsibly where they live.
Grateful to every young participant, mentor and partner for the spark, the courage and the action. Next come new moves, new alliances and wider opportunities to turn social ideas into impact.
The project “Youth Connect for Ukraine” is implemented by the British Council in partnership with local youth organisations.