Youth media hub “Action”: a platform for integrating young people into the community

In the city of Pershotravensk in the Dnipropetrovsk region, a unique project is gaining momentum that has the power to transform the social environment for young people, particularly internally displaced persons (IDPs) and young people with disabilities. The "Action" youth media hub was created to help integrate young people into the community and became one of the winners of the fundraising challenge.

"We found out about the challenge on social media and decided it was a great opportunity for us. Taking part in the challenge helped us understand how to attract resources and develop the project to the fullest," says team captain Olha Dubkova.

Olha reveals the details: "Our project is about creating the city's first youth media hub, 'Action', equipped with the tools young people need to develop their skills in producing high-quality video and photo content." The team consists of five people, including a creative manager, an SMM manager, and artistic support.

On how the idea came about, she explains: "We felt an acute need to create a space where young people can feel part of a community while developing their creative abilities." The absence of a youth centre prompted the team to act.

The project carries potential risks around the supply of equipment, but the team is ready to adapt. Dubkova stresses their readiness to "make the most of the resources already available and not halt the learning process even in difficult circumstances."

For the future, the team has ambitious plans. "We see our project as a youth centre that is constantly developing and becoming a hub of creativity and innovation," the leader notes. The media hub plans to expand to other communities through master classes and seminars.

The team recommends that other organisations actively take part in similar initiatives, as it develops skills and strengthens teamwork.

The project is implemented by the NGO "International Agency for Change" with the support of the United Nations Development Programme in Ukraine and the financial support of the European Union within the project "EU4Recovery".