Danish Red Cross in Ukraine’s Post

Almost four years ago, my friends and I came together to start NoirUnited International, with a mission to support Black and marginalized communities in achieving sustainable development, promoting humanitarian equity, and shifting power to local communities. It wasn't until years later that I had the opportunity to see the impact NoirUnited could actually have. In the spring of 2022, we launched our first response to support African students fleeing the war in Ukraine. As we, Macire Aribot and I, traveled to eight different countries across Europe, our goal was to verify the stories we encountered online—stories of African students being denied access to transportation and facing the compounded trauma of racial discrimination and war. We aimed to document the experiences of those facing these issues so that others could better understand how marginalized groups become more vulnerable during emergencies. Our goal was to empower these students and build resilience so that they could continue pursuing their education. Over time, this project evolved, and I am happy to share the launch of NoirUnited's docuseries Voices of Survival: Untold Stories of Africans in Ukraine. This 6-part series sheds light on the harsh realities faced by African students during the Ukraine war and the strength and resilience they demonstrated. It covers the war's devastating impacts on women, mental health, education, and advocacy efforts. Episode 1 is now available! Check out our website below for the release of weekly episodes and to learn more about how you can support. https://lnkd.in/eV4Kni6W

"Youth work: from theory to practice" 💡 The educational series with the participation of Zakhariy Tkachuk, Executive Director of the “Youth Platform” NGO, is available for viewing on the “DiiaOsvita” platform. What is the series about? 🔹 Principles and values of youth work, 🔹 tasks of youth workers, 🔹 how young people actually make changes. And also about the "pentagon of participation" and why it is important for democracy. And the "ladder of participation", which shows the level of youth involvement. The series "Youth work: from theory to practice" is an opportunity to learn how youth policy works in Ukraine from real experts in this field. 🎬 You can watch the series at the link: https://lnkd.in/ekkkDusK

A few weeks ago my capstone project, "Evaluating Gender-Transformative Programming in Humanitarian Aid," was published to the digital conservancy at the University of Minnesota! I know I said this already, but I'm incredibly proud of this project and the other amazing women part of the team. You can find the paper at the link below! https://lnkd.in/eaDK4nV5

#CFKAfrica emphasizes four models to support young people in informal settlements, which include; ▶ Empowering girls and young women facing challenges such as violence against women, teenage pregnancy, early marriage, and inequitable access to education.  ▶ Engaging youth through sports, which is a powerful tool for fostering social change and youth development. ▶ Increasing employment opportunities. ▶ Improving mental health which rises due to ongoing stress and a lack of resources and opportunities. Read more below! #youthdevelopment

New research from Mariia Zolkina, Max Fras and Elisabet Vives sheds light on the impact of the war in #Ukraine on young people living in the country. Young people cited an inability to plan for the future as one of the main sources of distress. They also demonstrated a stronger dedication to Ukrainian culture and a clear orientation away from Russian cultural products. The research highlights the crucial link between educational development and the retention of youth in Ukraine, underlining the need for reforms, psychological support mechanisms and infrastructure improvements to sustain educational continuity. https://lnkd.in/gtkvp5CC

Displaced Ukrainian Youth: Disrupted Futures The forced displacement of Ukrainian youth poses a significant threat to the country’s future human capital. A report by the Berlin Centre for East European and International Studies (ZOiS), titled “Displaced Ukrainian Youth: Disrupted Futures,” examines the experiences, challenges, and aspirations of young Ukrainians forced to leave their homes due to the war. The study explores the socio-economic impacts of displacement, the coping strategies adopted by the youth, and their vision for the future. The authors also provide essential recommendations for policymakers and humanitarian organizations to better address the needs of this vulnerable group. Read the research – bit.ly/4fXaCtR #ukraine #youth #usaidengage #usaid #ZOIS #research

Our team actively supported the impactful project "Dialogues of Victory" throughout 2023, fostering meaningful dialogues among Ukrainian youth regarding their role in community recovery efforts. 👉 In summary: * 30 Youth Councils enthusiastically participated in facilitated sessions of the "Dialogues of Victory" and were encouraged to spearhead similar dialogues within their local communities. * a total of 602 young men and women from 17 oblasts of Ukraine actively engaged in various activities. * 10 initiatives proposed by these Youth Councils were successfully implemented across different oblasts. These initiatives focused on variety of crucial aspects such as the integration of internally displaced persons (IDPs), the establishment of new youth councils in the region, the rediscovery of national heritage, and various other topics. The video below provides a glimpse into the final event of the program - the Youth Forum "Dialogues of Victory". It was interesting to work with such enthusiastic participants, and members of different youth councils. And yes, all those activities are (somehow) possible to organize despite air alarms, missile strikes and other impacts of war on the daily life of these young and talented people.

Moldova International Youth Conference 2024. Moldova youth have been instrumental to ensure rapid humanitarian response in an organized manner in 2022 after the escalation of the conflict in Ukraine. Now the youth can play a key role in the social integration of refugees creating a welcoming environment and in the same time youth initiative are essential to gap fill the provision of services for the most vulnerable or for peer youth. During winter period or summer youth can play a key role in meeting community needs in a rapid and innovative way. Youth need empowerment, need to be allowed to do mistakes but mistakes have a cost therefore it is essential to create an environment where youth can receive guidance and financial support in order to be able to experiment, try their ideas, do mistakes and learn from it.

🌍 International Youth Day 2024 🌱 ***From Clicks to Progress: Ukrainian Youth Paving Digital Pathways for a Just and Peaceful Future*** Today, on International Youth Day, we honor the young people of Ukraine, who are not only the future but also the present backbone of the nation's resilience. Often on the front lines of providing assistance to those most in need, Ukrainian youth are turning digital tools into lifelines—connecting communities, supporting the vulnerable, and advocating for peace both within homes and across the nation. Their commitment to fostering a socially just, gender-equal, and violence-free society is a crucial ingredient for Ukraine's long-term stability and progress. These young leaders are not just surviving; they are actively shaping a future where peace and prosperity can thrive. At UNFPA, we are proud to stand with these youth, nurturing their efforts to build a brighter, more inclusive tomorrow. Let’s continue to empower them—because their work today lays the foundation for a peaceful and equitable Ukraine. 💪📱🌟 [Read my full statement here] (https://unf.pa/4dIFDRn). #YouthDay2024 #UkraineYouth #DigitalInnovation #PeaceAndJustice #ResilienceInAction #IYD #StandWithUkraine 💛💙 United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) UNFPA Eastern Europe and Central Asia

📢 New British Council research on Ukraine. Discover the realities facing young Ukrainians amid the ongoing conflict and the pathways for supporting their resilience.   🧐 The British Council’s latest report, commissioned from @LSEConsulting’s EYCE Hub, explores the severe impacts of the war on the lives and aspirations of Ukrainian youth.   💡 Key Findings Include: 👉 Significant Challenges: Over half of young participants report the war’s impact on their lives as “extremely negative,” due to the ongoing security concerns, economic instability, and disrupted educational and social networks. 👉 Primary Needs: A stable sense of security, economic opportunities, and accessible housing—especially for internally displaced youth. 👉 Future Aspirations: While young Ukrainians are hesitant to make long-term plans, they remain hopeful for Ukraine’s eventual victory and envision a future aligned with the EU and NATO.   🔍 Recommendations: The report offers critical insights for policymakers, donors, and practitioners on building resilience, enhancing educational and psychological support, and fostering an inclusive approach to youth engagement. Access the full report here: https://lnkd.in/ediXZhcg