The "Free and Brave" Academy: fostering growth, support, and new opportunities for displaced youth.

At the end of October, the NGO "Education 360," with the support of the European Youth Foundation of the Council of Europe, conducted a free Academy titled "Free and Brave" for teenagers among internally displaced persons in the Kyiv region. Thirty teenagers aged 14-17 spent four days learning to overcome contemporary challenges, connecting with peers, receiving career counseling, building self-confidence, and enjoying their time in the company of like-minded individuals. The primary goal of the "Free and Brave" Academy was to foster key personal qualities in teenagers, provide them with psycho-emotional support, and assist them in determining their career paths. Participants worked in teams, engaged in interactive tasks, and developed their creative thinking, which helped them discover new approaches to solving life’s problems.

"The main topics of the training included psycho-emotional support, personal development, social integration, and career orientation. Our team focused on helping participants develop stress management skills, self-confidence, communication skills, and leadership qualities," stated Rostyslav Semka, Chair of the Board of the NGO "Education 360."

Throughout the activities, all theoretical material was complemented by interactive tasks, situational case studies, and practical exercises that enabled participants to apply their knowledge to familiar life situations. For instance, the communication skills training allowed teenagers to better understand others, express their thoughts, and collaborate effectively. Leadership sessions helped them gain self-confidence and learn how to inspire others, overcoming the fear of public speaking.

Building Trust and Support

One of the most emotionally rich parts of the program was the team-building activities, which fostered trust among teenagers, developed collaboration skills, and instilled a sense of collective responsibility. During these sessions, an atmosphere of joy, mutual support, and true team spirit prevailed. Some participants mentioned that they felt part of a cohesive team for the first time, where every voice mattered.

"I gained very valuable skills, and also – new friends who understand what it means to start life anew." – shared one of the academy participants.

Creativity as a Means of Self-Expression

The workshops added a vibrant and creative touch to the program. Participants created collages that reflected their dreams, values, and the group's shared ideas. In the art therapy sessions, teenagers expressed their emotions through colors and shapes, learning to understand themselves and alleviate internal tension.

Among the most interesting parts of the creative sessions was making eco-bags with their own designs. This workshop, supported by partners from MD Fashion, allowed participants to create their own designs and then transfer them onto fabric, crafting their unique items. For many, creativity became not just a means of self-expression but also a way to communicate with the world, as each piece held special significance for its creator.

Support Through Practical Methodologies

Special attention was given to the psychological support of participants. Art therapy techniques, breathing exercises, meditations, and elements of cognitive-behavioral therapy were utilized to address anxious thoughts. The team also conducted individual consultations for those needing additional help or advice.

"One of the biggest challenges was establishing emotional contact with teenagers who initially felt anxiety and distrust due to the new environment. Our trainers conducted introductory sessions aimed at reducing tension and creating an atmosphere of support and trust. This helped participants adapt more quickly and engage in the work," said Liubov Bohoyko, project manager.

Meetings with Professionals: How to Build the Future

Career meetings within the program opened new horizons for teenagers. Participants discussed career choices, the importance of personal values in work, and opportunities to realize their talents. Guest speakers from a well-known fashion retail company – specialists in marketing, merchandising, brand management, and other fields – shared insights about their professions, experiences, and practical advice.

The format of these meetings allowed teenagers to actively participate in discussions and ask questions. During informal conversations with speakers, they received personal recommendations regarding their career paths.

Overall, the Academy program aimed not only to give participants a chance to recharge and gain new knowledge and experience but also to serve as an important step toward enhancing communication and socialization skills. The four days of the Academy provided them with a wonderful opportunity to improve their emotional resilience and acquire the necessary conditions for enhancing their well-being.

"I want to say that the experience I gained in the 'Free and Brave' project from the NGO 'Education 360' is invaluable. This project helped me develop my personal and leadership qualities, including determination, courage, the ability to stand up for my position, and take responsibility for my decisions. Throughout the project, I had the opportunity to participate in various activities that contributed to my psychological and social development. We, the youth, were supported each time on our path to self-expression and the expansion of our knowledge," shared Sofia, one of the project participants.

Parents of participants were equally pleased with the outcomes of the Academy:

"I want to thank you for organizing the camp for teenagers, which inspired my child to further develop soft skills and abilities, leading to new ideas and opportunities. Thank you for the motivation, support, and for the spark in my daughter's eyes!" – said the mother of one of the participants.

Positive changes and the acquisition of new essential skills by participants were confirmed by surveys conducted after the completion of the "Free and Brave" Academy. According to these surveys, 88% of participants rated their overall experience in the Academy at the highest level. More than 60% of participants noted that the program helped them become more self-confident, while 82% of teenagers found new friends or improved their communication skills thanks to it. These statistics affirm how significant and beneficial the Academy's work was and highlight the importance of implementing similar initiatives today.

Considering the entire experience, the organizing team has prepared a methodological guide as part of the project, with a presentation scheduled for December 2024. This guide compiles the practical experience of the NGO "Education 360" and provides advice for youth workers, volunteers, and representatives of other NGOs interested in creating similar projects.

"This will allow other organizations to easily adapt the program to their needs and implement it in their communities. Additionally, we are considering launching longer training modules that will include individual consultations with psychologists, career advisors, and mentors for deeper engagement with teenagers. We aim to create a sustainable support program that ensures long-term development for participants and helps shape a new generation of active, self-assured young people ready to succeed in their communities and beyond," added Rostyslav Semka, head of the NGO "Education 360."