Young Ukrainian change-makers honored with UNICEF YOUTH AWARDS
For the first time this year, the UNICEF YOUTH AWARDS ceremony was held in Ukraine. It was noted by the active Ukrainian youth, who embody important social initiatives in their communities. This year, the award is dedicated to those who do not stand aside and create a positive impact during war. The event was sponsored by First Lady Elena Zelenska and attended by UNICEF Executive Director Catherine Russell.
The award was given to adolescents and young people aged 16-23 who help people with disabilities, children in difficult conditions during the war, implement educational projects, provide psychological assistance, support the elderly, animals and develop their communities.
The finalists of the prize represent different regions of Ukraine: Kharkiv, Slavyansk, Okhtyrka, Zmiev, Yuzhnoukrainsk, Rohatyn, Lviv, Kiev. Young volunteers were awarded by distinguished guests, among them the first lady of Ukraine Elena Zelenska. She presented the award to the youngest finalist, 16-year-old Alice from Okhtyrka. Since the beginning of the war, the girl stayed in her hometown and, as soon as the shelling subsided, organized a chess club for children and teenagers.
“To me, all of you are the personification of the changes that we have been striving for these decades of independence. You have a broad outlook, you are open to new knowledge. Equality and respect for the person are basic values for you. And you know that no one will take away these values from you. When I was invited to speak at this event, it was noted that my speech could be an inspiration for the guests. But in fact, you, young people, are my inspiration. You and the things you do,” Elena Zelenska said during the speech.
The most awarded from Kharkiv region. Among the awardees is Roman Efremenko, who helps those who cannot take care of themselves. The guy helped more than 600 single grandparents. Daria Kruk also helps homeless animals from Kharkov: she arranges feeding stations, finds shelter.
“Our young people are conscious, brave and strong. Our hearts beat for victory as hard as our warriors on the front lines. A small contribution of each of us is a brick in our victory!”, - said Deputy Minister of Internal Affairs Kateryna Pavlichenko.
During her first visit to Ukraine, UNICEF Executive Director Catherine Russell also attended the ceremony. She rewarded a team of pastors from Ivano-Frankivsk region who created a youth space to overcome the consequences of the war in their community. The complete stories of the changemakers can be viewed at the link.
Department of Communications of the Ministry of Internal Affairs of Ukraine
