From July 1 to 5, 2024, the team of the National University “Chernihiv Polytechnic” consisting of students Nikita Strelko, Ivan Usov, Oksana Shuba, Mykhailo Demchenko and Bohdan Shvydkyi took part in the Summer Training School “Social Cohesion through Youth Engagement” (Kyiv), organised within the framework of the project “Youth Voices for Social Cohesion and Peace in the Community”, implemented by the NGO “Human Rights Foundation” with the support of the European Youth Foundation of the Council of Europe.

The project is implemented in 4 regions of Ukraine, in Chernihiv region the project is implemented by the NGO CSO.

The event became an important platform for sharing experiences and gaining new knowledge in the field of youth policy and social cohesion. During the training, the participants actively discussed the Council of Europe’s youth policy, as well as the issues of diversity, non-discrimination and equality. The interactive format of the events contributed to a deep understanding and active involvement of participants in the discussions.

Participants completed exercises such as Portraits of Youth, Hierarchy of Needs and Values, and Web of Problems. This allowed for a better understanding of the needs and challenges faced by young people in different social groups and for finding effective solutions. The training provided a great opportunity to find like-minded people from different regions of Ukraine, share experiences and establish new contacts. Group work, discussions and informal meetings helped to strengthen ties and unite efforts to achieve common goals. The sessions on social cohesion and solidarity in local communities during the war and post-war period were particularly useful.

The participants discussed methods of effective planning of activities, taking into account the values and needs of society. The training not only enriched the participants with new knowledge and skills, but also inspired them to continue their active work in the youth sector. The experience gained will become the basis for the implementation of new projects aimed at building a society where peace, equality and justice prevail.

We thank the organisers and all participants for the opportunity to take part in this event.

We look forward to future meetings and joint projects!