EU4Youth: empowering young people in Ukraine for a healthy and resilient future

On 10-12 September, a national training on healthy lifestyle and mental health, with a special focus on challenges during the war and the post-war period, took place in Rivne, Ukraine, with the support of the ‘EU4Youth: Youth Engagement and Empowerment’ project.

The training brought together 40 participants from 13 regions of Ukraine. Over the course of three days, young people gained up-to-date knowledge and practical tools to maintain their physical and mental health, as well as skills to strengthen their own resilience. 

The programme combined lectures, practical exercises, and interactive activities. Participants took part in group games, workshops, and a dance flashmob, learned stress management techniques, and explored the impact of nutrition, habits, and social environment on mental health. An important outcome was the creation of a safe and inspiring space where young people experienced mutual support and recognised that a healthy lifestyle is not only an individual choice but also a foundation for the resilience of communities in times of challenge.

According to participants’ feedback, the programme was very well-structured and balanced, combining relevant knowledge with practice and peer exchange. As one participant noted: “I really liked the practical focus, the relevance of the topics, and the opportunity for live exchange of experiences with participants from different regions. The atmosphere of support and teamwork was very valuable.”

The event was organised by Rivne Regional State Administration together with the Ministry of Youth and Sports of Ukraine, with the support of the ‘EU4Youth: Youth Engagement and Empowerment’ project, co-funded by the European Union and the German Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development (BMZ) and implemented by GIZ.