Youth Connect for Ukraine: four days of training and a simulation game in Zhytomyr
A four-day training programme and simulation game under Youth Connect for Ukraine has brought young people to Zhytomyr to sharpen their skills and shape community-focused ideas. Delivered by the British Council Ukraine with partners, the programme convened participants aged 16-25 and created a focused setting for learning, practice and collaborative project development.
Zhytomyr proved an accommodating host. The schedule, however, was anything but leisurely. Day by day, participants examined the pressures facing their local communities and the practical levers available to respond with purpose, discipline and care.
Inside the training: key themes and takeaways
Across the four days, participants:
- explored leadership models and learned to adjust their approach to fit different contexts
- practised non-violent communication as a tool for constructive dialogue
- built a foundation in media literacy and critical thinking
- worked on identifying local challenges and articulating them in ways that point towards workable solutions.
The group brought real focus to every session. Rather than waiting for change to arrive, participants treated it as a task to be undertaken – actively contributing to sessions, discussions and hands-on exercises.
From an idea to a project
Teamwork became a central outcome. Participants formed groups, drafted project concepts and prepared them for further development. With additional refinement, teams will have the opportunity to seek funding to implement their initiatives. The project team will continue to track progress and share updates on which proposals move from blueprint to reality.
Open Day: learning through simulation
The Open Day component placed participants in a structured simulation designed to mirror real-world dynamics in a controlled environment. It helped them:
- Understand participation as a process
- build confidence around paperwork, approvals and procedural steps
- rehearse collaboration and decision-making in scenarios close to real-life conditions.
With the training complete, the emphasis shifts to delivery. Teams will refine their ideas, receive ongoing support and translate their work into actions that can generate visible, local impact.
Youth Connect for Ukraine is implemented by the British Council Ukraine. The partner delivering the event in Zhytomyr Oblast is the NGO YouthUp.