Training for DP5YOU Target Groups: Empowering Vulnerable Groups through Education, Youth Initiatives and Environmental Sustainability

On 8 November, as part of the DP5YOU project, a special training session was held for target groups, aimed at empowering vulnerable young people through educational programmes, youth initiatives, the development of digital skills and the promotion of environmental sustainability. The training was conducted within the framework of the European Union, co-funded project “Digital Platform of Knowledge and Skills Development for Youth Working with Child Migrants and Refugees at European Level” (DP5YOU).

The event took place in a unique setting — on the grounds of the State Historical and Architectural Reserve “Khotyn Fortress” and along the picturesque banks of the Dniester River. This historical and natural location created a powerful context for discussing environmental awareness and responsible attitudes toward nature.

The project coordinator, Yaroslav Galan, PhD in Physical Education and Sports, Associate Professor and Head of the NGO “YOUTH. SCIENCE. SPORTS. HEALTHY MOVEMENT OF UKRAINE”, opened the training and emphasised the importance of fostering environmental culture among children and young people. He highlighted that educational programmes, digital technologies and the integration of environmental components into youth work are effective tools for developing a modern, conscious and responsible young generation.

Representatives of the Ministry of Youth and Sports of Ukraine addressed the participants. Dmytro Ivanov welcomed everyone and stressed the current challenges faced by young people, the importance of digital skills and the development of youth initiatives that help respond to modern threats.

Partners from the Republic of Moldova — Vadim Smințina, coordinator at the National Agency for Programs Development and Youth Work in Moldova, and representatives of INSTITUTUL DE INSTRUIRE ÎN DEZVOLTARE MILLENIUM — underlined the crucial role of environmental culture when working with child migrants and refugees. They shared strategies already being implemented or soon to be integrated into the work of youth centres across Moldova.

Participants had the opportunity to discuss practical tools for working with youth, approaches to sustainable development and models for fostering environmental awareness in diverse youth communities.

At the end of the event, Yaroslav Galan presented all partners with special NFC keychains containing a direct link to the DP5YOU digital platform — a symbolic gesture highlighting the project’s innovative nature and commitment to advancing digital solutions in youth work.

Now more than ever, it is essential to foster environmental culture among young people, as it will determine society’s ability to act responsibly, preserve natural heritage and build a sustainable European future.