European Integration School kicks off across Ukraine

In April and May, Young European Ambassadors (YEAs) in Ukraine conduct a series of lectures and interactive sessions for teenagers aiming to raise young people’s awareness of European values and to foster civic engagement. 

These series are part of  the ‘European Integration School’ project, which was launched in Ukraine on 16 April.

Two lectures were held on the same day in Kyiv. Three lectures were held in Kropyvnytskyi on 23 and 24 April. Two more lectures are scheduled for the first week of May in Kyiv.

The project is implemented by the Young European Ambassadors (YEAs) initiative in partnership with the ‘Next Visionaries’ programme, initiated by the ERSTE Foundation and Internews Ukraine. Its key objective is to make the complex processes of European integration understandable, relatable and practically relevant for pupils.

The ‘European Integration School’ project is delivered in two phases. The first phase involves intellectual and educational lectures in schools in both Kyiv and Kropyvnytskyi for teenagers aged 13-17. The format combines interactive lectures, open discussions, and practical elements that contribute to shaping personal democratic values, developing critical thinking, and encouraging active citizenship.

Participants learn how the European Union functions and what European integration means for Ukraine in practice; discuss European values, human rights and the rule of law; take part in quizzes and discussions; and receive answers to questions about opportunities for young people – from education to participation in international programmes.

The second phase of the project involves a practical team-based event for the most active participants of the first phase. During this event, young people will have the opportunity to develop their own ideas and solutions to strengthen youth participation in democratic processes and European integration initiatives within their communities.

The Young European Ambassadors (YEAs) initiative brings together socially engaged youth from the six Eastern Partner countries, the European Union and the United Kingdom to foster dialogue and to raise awareness about the EU and its cooperation with its Eastern partner countries.