In honor of International Youth Day, we participated in the All-Ukrainian Youth Forum, focusing on supporting Ukrainian youth during Russia`s war against Ukraine and leveraging their role in the country’s recovery. In this newsletter, we explore the concerns and priorities of young Ukrainians since the war’s onset. We also proudly present our exhibition, which seeks to understand better the motivation of Ukrainian youngsters who decided to stay in Ukraine despite the war, as well as draw attention to their needs. Furthermore, this newsletter edition continues to offer a host of ENGAGE`s and our partners` grant and job opportunities, as well as insights from civil society organizations. Enjoy the insightful content ahead!
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While the war has impacted everyone, its influence has been strongly felt among the youth in Ukraine. The report, prepared by the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) in Ukraine and based on the nationwide research “Impact of War on Youth,” conducted by the Cedos Analytical Center, sheds light on the primary concerns and priorities among Ukrainian youngsters in 2022. Health, encompassing personal and family well-being, ranks as a top concern for 50% of respondents, paralleled by the pressing issues of power outages, unstable internet, and mobile communication. Financial constraints resonate with 31% of the youth, worries concerning physical safety for themselves or their families with 27%, while mental health struggles impact 22% of the respondents. As for priorities, an overwhelming 71% emphasize family well-being, 62% prioritize personal health, and 56% focus on their careers.
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Civil Society News
USAID/ENGAGE Highlights Ukrainian Youth During Wartime at the All-Ukrainian Youth Forum
On August 10-12, USAID/ENGAGE co-organized the three-day All-Ukrainian Youth Forum to celebrate International Youth Day-2023. The Forum was conducted by the Council on Youth Affairs under the President of Ukraine with the support of the Ministry of Youth and Sports of Ukraine, along with international and local partners. The Forum focused on supporting Ukrainian youth during the war and involving them in the country’s recovery efforts. As part of ENGAGE’s contribution, the Forum addressed civic engagement in decision-making processes, inclusivity for marginalized communities, youth participation challenges in newly liberated areas, and presented ENGAGE grant opportunities for new initiatives.
On August 11-12, ENGAGE organized an exhibition at Mystetskiy Arsenal in collaboration with the “Bird-in-Flight” platform to highlight Ukrainian students who chose to continue their studies in Ukraine despite the challenges posed by last year’s invasion. The display featured 12 photographs by Polina Polikarpova, an IDP artist from Kharkiv, accompanied by narratives of these students curated by Volodymyr Konoshevych.
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Ukrainian Antiquity Supports Youth Project Aimed at Revitalizing Youth Space in Chernihiv Region
The team from Ripky, Chernihiv Oblast, received 100,000 UAH for the establishment of the “Space of New Opportunities” youth center as part of the project “Active Position of My Region. Through the Eyes of Children,” carried out by “Ukrainian Antiquity.” With the initiative, project participants aim to foster youth cohesion by organizing events focused on quality informal education.
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GoGlobal Completes Summer Camp, Empowers Students from War-Affected Regions
On August 11, GoGlobal completed its pilot Catch-up camp, bringing together schoolchildren from the Chernihiv region, where frequent shelling regularly disrupts online learning. The camp provided teamwork experiences, creative tasks, psychological support, physical activities, psychological support programs, art therapy, and training to rejuvenate students before the new school year.
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CSOs Urge MPs to Restore E-Declaration Without Loopholes and Manipulations
Civil society organizations and journalists urge authorities to reinstate the electronic declaration system and public access to officials’ declarations, ensuring transparency and preventing manipulation. While draft law No.9534 on the e-declaration restoration was approved in the first reading, concerns exist over its current form and how it may potentially hinder effective and transparent declaration processes. CSOs urge MPs to address these issues before the second reading and promptly reinstate mandatory electronic declarations.
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CSOs Welcome the Parliament`s Initiative to Restore Transparency in Reporting by Ukraine`s Political Parties
On August 9, the Verkhovna Rada passed draft law No. 9419-1, which targets the restoration of transparency in reporting by Ukraine’s political parties, during its first reading. CHESNO Movement, which actively championed the law’s adoption as part of its campaign to resume party reporting, underlines that the draft law adoption is a pivotal step towards reestablishing transparency within the country’s political landscape.
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Opportunities
Explore Our Opportunities
We are excited to offer a variety of opportunities for job seekers, civil society actors, and service providers:
- Qualified specialists interested in our job openings are encouraged to review the listings – https://bit.ly/3UKgGN7
- Request for applications for civil society initiatives to provide even greater institutional and project support – https://bit.ly/3GUdk4e
- Consultant Request for a Series of Digital Security Trainings – https://bit.ly/
3OLZOnI - Consultant Request for Digital Security Audit and Consulting – https://bit.ly/3Qrn6R2
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Our Partners` Opportunities
We invite you to explore the opportunities from our partners:
- All-Ukrainian Association of Music Events (UAME) is seeking a creative SMM manager: https://bit.ly/3QGgoH2
- Ukrainian Leadership Academy is searching for an Administrator for a regional leadership development center: https://bit.ly/446d76Z
- GoGlobal is looking for a Finance Manager and an Accountant: https://bit.ly/3OW4oQq
- Toronto Television is in search of a news ticker editor: https://bit.ly/44gciZc
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What We Read
International Youth Day: It’s Time to Empower Youth with Skills for the Future
This year’s International Youth Day took place under the theme “Green Skills for Youth: Towards a Sustainable World”. When it comes to climate change, it is undeniable that young people’s actions have moved the dial on the perceived urgency of the crisis. Youth are not only taking to the streets to hold leaders accountable, but they’re also spearheading just and sustainable climate solutions in communities. Read the article in the link below by the World Economic Forum to learn why it is critical to recognize that young people are already leading the way and what can be done to enhance their long-term economic and political participation.
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