The Council of Europe project “Youth for Democracy in Ukraine: Phase IV” presented its work in time of war in Ukraine at the 4th European Youth Work Convention. It took place in Valletta on 28 and 29 May 2025.
Following the invitation, Olena Glazkova, expert of the project, presented the Council of Europe work in Ukraine in time of the war of aggression of the Russian Federation against Ukraine. Representatives from various European countries explored the resources, results and challenges of the first of its kind trauma informed youth work programme. Since 2022 the programme has been developed and implemented in Ukraine as a response to the needs of youth workers and young people in time of the war. "Youth workers who are working with Ukrainian refugees in different countries asked me about our manual and specifics of trauma informed approach in youth work. It seemed they would like to multiply this approach, - mentioned Olena Gkazkova.
The programme includes a manual for the training course on trauma informed youth work, the trainings for trainers, implementation of training programmes and activities across Ukraine. In co-operation with the Ministry of youth and sports of Ukraine and the All-Ukrainian youth centre, the Council of Europe project “Youth for Democracy in Ukraine” developed the specialised course “Trauma Informed Youth Work” within the state programme “Youth Worker”. Following the high demand, the manual was translated in English. As of May 2025, the manual was downloaded 13324 times in Ukrainian and English.
Following the growing requests, each year all trainers strengthen their competencies in the field of human rights and trauma informed approach during an advanced training of trainers, organised jointly by the Council of Europe projects “Youth for Democracy in Ukraine” and "Facilitating access to human rights and essential services for internally displaced persons and returnees at the community level". To support youth centres and civil society organisations to raise awareness of support and coping strategies, a series of seven posters was prepared in co-operation with the team of the twice-displaced Donetsk Regional Youth Centre (Vinnytsia) and illustrator Iryna Vale.
More information about the Council of Europe project "Youth for Democracy in Ukraine", news, youth resources of the Council of Europe and open announcements for participation in project events are available at the link.
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The 4th European Youth Work Convention, the largest and most significant gathering of its kind in Europe, brought together around 500 youth work professionals, policy-makers, researchers, and young people from across Europe and beyond. It aims to shape the future of youth work by improving standards, recognition, and quality in youth work.
The Convention was organised by the Government of Malta - Aġenzija Żgħażagħ and the European Union Program Agency (EUPA) for Malta with the support of the EU-Council of Europe Youth Partnership, under the Maltese Presidency of the Council of Europe’s Committee of Ministers.
