Non-formal education activities in Ukraine for children and young people within the framework of the project

As part of the Digital Platform of Knowledge and Skills Development for Youth Working with Child Migrants and Refugees at European Level (DP5YOU) project, which is co-funded by the European Union, two important events were held in Ukraine in January 2026 aimed at supporting children and active youth, promoting European values, and developing practical skills through informal education tools.

Both events were united by a common goal – to create a safe space for dialogue, learning, creativity, and mutual support in the face of modern challenges.

On January 22, Ukraine’s Unity Day, a presentation of opportunities for active youth in the city of Chernivtsi was held as part of the DP5YOU project. The event was held in cooperation with the Department of Social Policy and the Office for Family and Youth Affairs of the Chernivtsi City Council, as well as the Communal Institution Chernivtsi Youth Center ”Youth Residence”.

During the event, participants were introduced to the project’s goals, objectives, and initiatives, and informal education methods were used to promote active youth engagement, open dialogue, and critical thinking. Representatives of partner institutions outlined the key challenges facing young people in today’s world and the opportunities that are already being realized at the community level.

A separate element of the event was the presentation of interactive educational tools, including puzzles with European Union symbols and educational cards dedicated to the global challenges of the modern world. Young people actively participated in discussions, sharing their own ideas, needs, and vision of their role in social processes.

On January 27, a warm and extremely important event for children from Mariupol who are currently temporarily living in the city, took place in Chernivtsi at the I’Mariupol Center Chernivtsi. The event was organized and conducted by the NGO “YOUTH. SCIENCE. SPORTS. HEALTHY MOVEMENT OF UKRAINE” in cooperation with the “I’Mariupol” Center in Chernivtsi as part of the DP5YOU project.

The program of the event was aimed at creating a supportive, safe space for children and included creative and associative exercises. Through the demonstration of illustrations and drawings, children formed their own associations with Ukraine, European Union countries, and places where they would like to study, communicate, and participate in similar events. This format became an important tool for supporting the children’s psychological and emotional well-being.

Of particular interest was the creative master class on T-shirt painting, during which children were able to express their creativity, emotions, and inner state through colors, symbols, and meaningful words. Parents actively joined in the event, participating in creative activities alongside their children.

All participants received commemorative medals with the project’s symbolism as a memento of the event.

The events demonstrated the importance of combining non-formal education methods developed by Moldovan partners for the educational booklet, as well as the importance of creative approaches and partnership cooperation to support children and young people in difficult social conditions. Such initiatives enable young people not only to participate in socially important processes, but also to develop practical skills in communication, facilitation, and working with children in real-life situations.