Ivano-Frankivsk region is a land of strong traditions and great changes. Here, young people have never stood aside from community life. But the war and new challenges have made their ideas even deeper and more concrete. This was vividly reflected during the Ukrainian Youth Foundation’s training sessions held within the framework of the project “Grant Opportunities for Youth in the Community.”

Otyniia Community: Where Young People Are the Authors of the Story

During the training, the youth of the Otyniia community presented several very different ideas — ranging from cultural initiatives to youth democracy.

1️⃣ “Theater Club”
Here, theater is more than just art. It’s a way to talk about patriotism, history, and human values. Young people want to create a club where they can learn acting, stage speech, and produce performances on national and patriotic themes.

2️⃣ “Forks Lounge”
A space to gather, relax, discuss plans, or simply take a breath. The idea of creating a youth center shows how important it is for young people to have a place of their own in the community.

3️⃣ “Development of Student Self-Governance”
Youth don’t want to remain just observers — they want to make an impact. That’s why another idea is to create opportunities for developing student self-governance. This includes leadership training, organizing sports events, and forming an active civic stance within schools.

4️⃣ A particularly significant idea was “We Understand. We Support. We Thank.”
This initiative unites the youth around a topic that is in every Ukrainian’s heart today — interaction with veterans and military personnel. The initiators want to teach their peers how to build dialogue, express gratitude, and offer support to those defending Ukraine.

Ivano-Frankivsk Community: On Inner Strength and Future Startups

In the regional center, young people’s ideas are also incredibly diverse — from mental health support to entrepreneurship.

1️⃣ “My Own Psychologist”
Young people in Ivano-Frankivsk understand how important mental stability is during difficult times. Their idea is to create a peer support format for teenagers. Based at the Youth Center, “informal gatherings” will be held to talk about emotions, anxiety, stress, and ways to support one another.

2️⃣ “DiWay”
This idea is about borderless education. Young people propose launching an online school that opens new opportunities for those who can’t attend offline classes or seek alternative approaches to learning.

3️⃣ “Business Start: From Education to Action”
Ivano-Frankivsk youth also think strategically. This idea involves organizing a course for high school students to teach the basics of social entrepreneurship and grant opportunities. It’s a way to show that even now, it’s possible to start your own initiative and make a positive impact on the community.

These trainings are proof that the youth of Ivano-Frankivsk region have not only dreams but clear plans. They think broadly, yet very practically. Most importantly, they don’t wait for better times — they want to create change here and now.

The “Grant Opportunities for Youth in the Community” project continues. The ideas born in Ivano-Frankivsk region have every chance to grow into projects that will transform the lives of their communities.