UNDP in Ukraine

The purpose of the camp was to increase levels of civic engagement, social integration, activity and influence of youth centres and to establish grounds for youth cooperation in the above mentioned regions. The participants of the youth camp included up to seven representatives of youth centres from each region as well as a participant of the Oxford Volunteers for Chornobyl Scheme, Edouard Portefaix from France, and Peace Corps Volunteer, Maria Noyes.

The main goal of the "Youth for Youth" camp was to create a portrait of modern youth. This task was accomplished through the use of various means: pictures, photos, videos, text, etc. Youth camp participants received training in effective communication and organization of volunteering events in villages as well as conducting "open" discussions of topics of interest for modern youth. The participants also obtained skills in communication with people from different age groups, the motivation of youth, the organization of volunteering activities, etc. In addition, the participants had the opportunity to taste Italian national cuisine prepared by Giovanni Mozzarelli, the UN Volunteers Programme Officer, and learn Italian, American and French songs during the International Club.

The other event devoted to celebration of the International Youth Day took place on August 12 in the city of Ovruch (Zhytomyr region) within the framework of "Volunteers of Zhytomyr region" summer school conducted on August 11-14. Activities devoted to the celebration of the International Youth Day included the organization of a festive concert in the center of Ovruch. During the concert local youth had the opportunity to tie color ribbons on the "tree of dreams", participate in a dance marathon dancing to the music of different nations, and write a "letter to future generations" describing everything that is of interest to modern youth and hoping that their descendants will read it 100 years from now.

Creation of the "quilt of youth" was as interesting as work on the "tree of dreams". During this activity, the participants wrote their wishes on the pieces of fabric which will be stitched together into a quilt. Bodyart, team competitions, songs and humor - all these were gifts from summer school volunteers to Ovruch youth on International Youth Day.

The participants also had an opportunity to hear Ban Ki-moon UN Secretary-General's address devoted to the celebration of this international holiday. In the massage Ban Ki-moon has called upon the youth of the world for actions. "Youth deserve our full commitment -- full access to education, adequate healthcare, employment opportunities, financial services and full participation in public life. On International Youth Day, let us renew our pledge to support young people in their development. Sustainability is the most promising path forward, and youth can lead the way", declared Secretary-General.

Youth in Kyiv region celebrated International Youth Day in the village of Ivankiv. Activities conducted on this day included "Portraits of my generation: different choices - different future" photo exhibition, skateboarding and roller-skating competitions titled "Youth chooses sports", "Game portal" youth activity (organization and conducting of motion games with the purpose of teambuilding for regional youth), a trip to Ivankiv Regional Study Museum, youth activity "Flight of dreams", аnd a topical disco "Music without borders".

In spite of the broad diversity of these events, they still had important common themes - positive attitude, voluntarism, friendship, youth and the sincere desire to change their region for better.

More details on Youth Social Inclusion for Civic Engagement Project in Ukraine.