2021 has been a year with heavy headlines. In times of challenges, it is important to remember the things that go well. The Ukrainian-Danish Youth House’s development is one of the positive stories the past year.
From being an idea, the Ukrainian-Danish Youth House has now materialized into a concept, a platform and a dedicated team that has an active role in the world – online and offline.
In one year, we have created an organization, established the secretariat in Kyiv with good connection to our colleagues in Denmark and Riga, and since April 6th we have been offering activities to promote youth engagement and democratic participation, and facilitated connections between Danes and Ukrainians.
In 9 months, we have achieved a whole lot! It feels great to be able to look back and remember all the inspiring moments with people from all over Ukraine and Denmark.
But this is only the early beginning of the Ukrainian-Danish Youth House. 2022 will be even busier – and better. More opportunities, more to learn, more interesting discussions, more exchange.
The best Christmas present was to finally get the contract for the building in central Kyiv that will be the physical Ukrainian-Danish Youth House. This milestone has been a long way coming, and we are so excited to move in and open the Youth House for you all this spring!
When we are well installed, the Youth House will be open for young people who want to take an active role in society. We will be an open and inclusive place where there is room for different opinions and ways, where the democratic dialogue is the core value.
Because we want you to support different initiatives not only by offering a place to be, but also by financial support, I am also looking forward to the launch of our grant mechanism. Here, you will be able to apply for support for youth-led projects in Ukraine. I can’t wait to see what great ideas there are yet to be realized.
All our work depends on a continued great collaboration with all of you: grassroots, youth organizations, official representatives, other organizations working in the field, our Advisory Board – and all who want to visit us or who have ideas for projects, events, or collaborations. Thank you for all your support in the past year. Now we are getting ready for 2022!
May the holiday season do you well!
On behalf of the team, Roman, Oksana, Andrii, Daryna, Yurii, Mariia and Yakym:
Stay safe and Happy New Year!
Julie Arnfred Bojesen
Director of the Ukrainian-Danish Youth House
P.S. If you understand Danish, you can hear about the year in the Ukrainian-Danish Youth House in the radio show Kulturen on DR P1.
