Our projects
Current Initiatives
Youth Center "PROSTO"
The Youth Center "PROSTO", established by the NGO Youth Foundation of European Initiatives, was created to support, develop, and empower youth through education, creativity, inclusivity, and active participation in community life. The center aims to be a space where every young Ukrainian can find support, resources, and inspiration to achieve their goals and initiate positive changes in society.
Gender Equality and Anti-Discrimination
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.
Preservation of mental health
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 goal is to form an active generation of leaders who are ready to act responsibly and creatively, building the future of Ukraine in the global community
Iryna Yatsyk
Our projects
Local Authorities
We are actively collaborating with the Department of Family, Youth, and Sports of the Zhytomyr City Council. Some of the most active projects include: "Local Government School" "Mamine Soneshko" (a two-level art therapy project for mothers with children with disabilities and for youth involved in our Youth Center "PROSTO"). We regularly participate in local government initiatives (e.g., Youth Day and Europe Days celebrations), volunteer together, and support the Zhytomyr Youth Council. Our activists have also been awarded certificates and acknowledgments for their active participation in city life. Zhytomyr Regional Military Administration We collaborate with the department.
Cooperation with NGOs in Ukraine
Representatives from International Medical Corps worked with our NGO, training trainers under the "Self-Help +" program, reaching 127 future trainers in the mental health sector. Volunteers at the center regularly undergo advanced training in mental health preservation and conduct training sessions for the city's population. From September 15, 2021, to October 30, 2021, representatives from the Youth Foundation of European Initiatives conducted an analysis and evaluation of the accountability of two local authorities: the Zhytomyr City Council and the Berdychiv City Council. The monitoring was part of the "Transparent Cities" program, organized by the NGO Transparency International Ukraine, an accredited member of the global Transparency International movement, in collaboration with the civil society organizations Platform for Public Control and Center for Public Monitoring and Research.
International Cooperation
Since the full-scale invasion (starting in 2022), the Youth Foundation of European Initiatives has implemented two grants from the ALIPH Foundation for the Zhytomyr Regional Museum of Local History ($15,000) and the Kmytiv Museum of Fine Arts named after Y. D. Bukhanchuk ($13,000). Representatives from International Medical Corps also trained people under the "Self-Help +" program, with 127 future trainers in the mental health sector. Volunteers at the center continuously improve their qualifications in mental health preservation and conduct training sessions for the city's population. Thanks to the financial support of the international organization Volunteers for Ukraine, the renovation of the Youth Center "PROSTO" was completed, and it was opened in 2023. Currently, we are actively cooperating with the Polish organization Fundacja Kordon, which provides significant assistance in working with youth with disabilities, and with Centrum Nauki Kopernik. Additionally, we receive regular methodological support from organizations in Warsaw and Gdańsk (Caritas-Gdańsk), where our volunteers can undergo free internships.
Active projects
Бути EcoFriendly
#бути_EcoFriendly Ми раді представити наш соціальний фотопроєкт #бути_EcoFriendly, який покликаний привернути увагу до важливих екологічних проблем сучасності. Проєкт включає 15 фотокартин на екологічну тематику, що не лише відображають ключові питання, а й спонукають до роздумів та дискусій. Історія створення Ідея фотопроєкту зародилася ще до карантинних обмежень. Під час їхнього послаблення ми активно працювали над створенням […]
High-Performance Teenager School (from 12 years old) (since 2018)
Soft Skills in the 21st Century (online, from 12 years old) (since 2021)
Youth Educational Program "Life Strategy" (online, from 14 years old) (since 2022)
Psychoemotional Support Course "Ukrainian Refugee Syndrome: Dangerous Uniqueness" (2023, 2024) (from 18 years old)
Why Work With Us:
The Youth Foundation of European Initiatives is a powerful platform for implementing social, educational, and Eurointegration projects. It provides quality training for youth to engage in active public life, supports initiatives aimed at the inclusion of people with disabilities, and introduces modern teaching methods and leadership development techniques. The organization has extensive experience in collaborating with international partners, ensuring access to cutting-edge practices and resources. The flexibility in project implementation, professional team, and focus on long-term change make it a reliable partner for organizations that aim to influence the future of youth in Ukraine.
9 international awards for active involvement
100+ successful projects
102 international exchanges
1549 graduates of educational programs
Past projects
Українсько-польський проєкт “Нематеріальне-небанальне. Спадщина та місцева освіта”
Успішна реалізація міжнародного українсько-польського проєкту ГО “Молодіжна фундація європейських ініціатив” (Житомир) спільно з “Stowarzyszenie Pracownia Etnograficzna” (Варшава) успішно реалізували міжнародний проєкт “Нематеріальне-небанальне. Спадщина та місцева освіта”. Протягом чотирьох днів учасники з України та Польщі активно працювали над вивченням принципів неформальної освіти та дослідженням нематеріальної культурної спадщини. Програма включала такі інструменти: Речі – дослідження взаємозв’язку між […]
Europe Day in Zhytomyr (16+)
Organizing international discussion platforms for the discussion of Eurointegration and youth initiatives.
Leadership Without Borders (14-30 years)
A series of training sessions for youth on leadership skills, communication, and project management.
Art Therapy for Inclusive Youth (16-35 years)
A cycle of classes for youth with Down syndrome and mental disorders aimed at their socialization and emotional development.
Interactive Psychology for Teens (12-18 years)
An educational program on the basics of psychology in the format of interactive classes.
Gender Equality in Action (15+)
A training course on overcoming gender stereotypes and stigmas.
Media Literacy for Youth (14-25 years)
Training on critical thinking and recognizing fake information.