About us

We are a platform that unites young leaders, activists, and mentors, helping them develop their talents, implement creative ideas, and shape a society that values diversity, innovation, and collaboration

Iryna Yatsyk

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Projects of the NGO “Youth Foundation of European Initiatives” in the Field of Gender Equality and Anti-Discrimination:

✅ 2018 – “Leadership Without Limits” – A program for teenage girls and young women aimed at developing leadership skills, overcoming gender stereotypes, and creating equal opportunities for career growth.

✅ 2020 – “Equality Begins with Education” – A series of training sessions and interactive activities for educators, students, and pupils focused on overcoming gender stereotypes in the learning process and career choices.

✅ 2020 – “Women in Action” – A support program for women affected by domestic violence or discrimination, providing psychological assistance, legal consultations, and social reintegration.

✅ 2021 – “Gender Equality in Media” – An initiative for journalists and bloggers aimed at establishing ethical standards for reporting without sexism and gender bias, analyzing Ukrainian media content, and promoting positive changes in the portrayal of women in society.

✅ 2023 – “Men for Equality” – A campaign engaging men in the fight against gender inequality, promoting the idea of co-parenting, responsible family duties, and active participation in social initiatives.

✅ 2024 – “STOP Discrimination: Legal Awareness” – A series of events for youth and business representatives on combating gender discrimination in the workplace, education, and public life, including an introduction to anti-discrimination legislation and mechanisms for protecting rights.

NGO “Youth Foundation of European Initiatives” in the Field of Mental Health Preservation

✅ 2016–2025 – “Mental Health Without Barriers” – A program for young people with disabilities and their families, including art therapy, peer support groups, and emotional regulation training.

✅ 2015–2021 – “Stress Management for Educators” – A series of training sessions for teachers and lecturers on overcoming professional burnout and developing psychological resilience.

✅ 2023–2024 – “Psychosocial Support and Self-Help” – A program based on the “Self-Help Plus” course by the International Medical Corps, teaching stress management techniques, grounding practices, breathing exercises, and self-regulation. Conducted offline at the “PROSTO” Youth Center.

✅ 2022–2025 – “Art Therapy” – A series of art therapy sessions for young people and adults using painting, music therapy, and other creative methods to improve emotional well-being.

✅ 2000–2022 – “Combating Emotional Exhaustion” – Authorial training sessions by the NGO’s leader, Iryna Yatsyk, for professionals in education, social work, and community service, helping them recognize burnout symptoms, develop self-support skills, and restore emotional resources effectively.

✅ 2018–2025 – “Support for Those Who Support” – An initiative for social workers, psychologists, and volunteers working with vulnerable populations, focused on preventing professional burnout and strengthening stress resilience.

Our Mission

Here’s the English translation of the text:

“NGO ‘Youth Foundation for European Initiatives’ aims to create conditions for the development of active, educated, and responsible young people who are capable of initiating changes in their communities, supporting ideas of European integration, and contributing to building an inclusive society through education, partnership, and innovative projects.”

Key points:

Here’s the English translation:

Youth development: Providing knowledge, skills, and tools for achieving personal and social goals.
European integration: Promoting European values and standards, supporting exchange programs and cooperation with European organizations.
Social responsibility: Engaging youth in addressing current social challenges, creating conditions for inclusive community development.

We envision a world where youth are the drivers of positive change, cultural dialogue, and social progress

Iryna Yatsyk

Values of the NGO 'Youth Foundation for European Initiatives'

Here’s the English translation:

Equality and inclusion: Creating equal opportunities for everyone, regardless of social status, gender, physical or mental characteristics. Supporting youth with special needs, actively including them in the organization’s projects.
Initiative: Supporting creativity and leadership among youth. Motivating young people to be active participants in changes within their communities.
European values: Democracy, freedom, human rights, respect for cultural diversity. Promoting ideas of openness, cooperation, and solidarity.
Transparency and trust: Open conduct of activities, accountability to communities, donors, and partners. Building trust in the NGO as a reliable partner.
Development and education: Continuous learning for youth, partners, and the organization’s team. Developing educational programs aimed at developing soft skills, leadership qualities, and critical thinking.
Sustainable development: Environmental responsibility in the implementation of all projects. Introducing innovations that contribute to sustainable community development.
Partnership: Building a network of youth initiatives at local, national, and international levels. Interaction with other NGOs, educational institutions, businesses, and government structures.

These principles and values can be the foundation for building trust in the organization, engaging youth, and fulfilling its mission.

Our team

History of Establishment

The Youth Foundation of European Initiatives was founded to develop the youth movement and integrate young people into the European space. The idea emerged among activists who aimed to provide Ukrainian youth with more opportunities for self-realization, development, and participation in international programs.

The foundation’s origins trace back to a student volunteer group working with children from socially vulnerable families and orphans. The organization was officially established in 2014, initiated by Iryna Yatsyk—an educator, PhD in Philosophy, and public activist with extensive experience in training, educational programs, and youth work. Together with a team of like-minded individuals, she developed the organization’s concept and engaged partners to implement joint projects.

Officially registered as an independent organization, the Youth Foundation of European Initiatives operates in the fields of education, youth leadership, and social integration. One of its key missions is to support European integration processes, encourage youth initiatives, and create opportunities for active civic engagement.

Since its foundation, the organization has actively implemented various projects, including:

Educational programs and training sessions for young people.
Initiatives promoting inclusive education.
Programs for the social adaptation of youth with disabilities.
International exchanges and volunteer projects.
Partnerships with European organizations to expand opportunities for Ukrainian youth.

Over the years, the foundation has organized over 100 international trips for young people to familiarize themselves with the European academic system. Currently, the organization has 35 active volunteers aged 18 and older and has successfully implemented more than 500 initiatives throughout its existence.