By Alina Danilova | B2C Lead
Dear friends and partners,
Thanks to your generosity, our work with adolescents and young people from vulnerable backgrounds in Ukraine continued throughout the first half of 2026. From January through June, 2026, people from around the world chose to stand with these young people, and their trust turned into real, ongoing support on the ground.
During this period, 633 teenagers and youth aged 14–23, including those with experience of institutional care, children raised in family-based care, internally displaced youth, young people with disabilities, and those facing difficult life circumstances, received psychosocial support, non-formal education, career guidance, mentoring, and support in building youth communities. Across this work, our team delivered 124 meetings, trainings, and outdoor activities, helping young people better understand themselves, cope with the challenges of wartime, and confidently plan their future. This work is built around three core pillars: mental health, non-formal education, and career guidance.
One of the programs through which this support reaches young people is Spilnota, a support and development program for teenagers and young people aged 14–23 who need social guidance and new opportunities. Spilnota is implemented in Lviv, Kryvyi Rih, and the Zakarpattia region in cooperation with local partners, community organizations, and institutions. Its goal is to help adolescents and youth become more confident, emotionally resilient, and socially responsible, while developing practical skills that support their transition into adulthood.
Some of the highlighted Spilnota events during January-June 2026 are described below.
Building financial confidence and life skills
In Zakarpattia, the team held sessions with young people focused on what genuinely shapes their future — the ability to manage money. Rather than teaching participants simply to "save up", the sessions covered budgeting, avoiding impulsive spending, and finding real opportunities for growth, from scholarships and grants to turning their own ideas into income.
This skill gives young people confidence in tomorrow and real freedom as they enter adult life: when a person knows how to manage their finances, they build their future consciously.
A related session in Mukachevo, "Rights and Opportunities: How to Build Your Future," helped participants understand their rights, practice conscious decision-making, and see how critical thinking, creativity, and small daily habits move them forward.
Psychological support that makes a difference
Individual and group psychological consultations remained a core part of "Spilnota." One participant, Serhii, came to individual sessions carrying a lot of worry – the shift to online learning, unpredictable power outages, and fatigue from distance education had all taken a toll. After a cycle of consultations with the project psychologist, he described a real change:
"For the first time in years, I stopped constantly replaying the same thoughts, blaming myself for the past, and feeling constant anxiety."
Group psychoeducation sessions in Kryvyi Rih, led by psychologist Maryna, focused on emotions, relationships, and fears, creating a safe space where participants could be open and receive support. One participant, Zukhro, kept every handout from the course and returns to the materials whenever things get difficult – a reminder that psychoeducation does not remove hardship, but it gives young people understanding and a sense that they are not facing it alone.
Looking ahead
Despite the ongoing challenges of the broader context in Ukraine, including power outages, disrupted routines, and the uncertainty of daily life, adolescents and young people continue to show motivation, curiosity, and a strong desire to grow. For many, "Spilnota" remains one of the few spaces where they feel safe to speak openly, be heard, and imagine a future with more opportunities.
Your support through GlobalGiving truly matters. By standing with adolescents and youth from vulnerable categories – especially those growing up in institutional care – you are helping build resilience, dignity, and long-term positive change.
Thank you for standing with us, and helping create meaningful change!
With gratitude,
Ridni Foundation
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