As part of the first UActive programme in Kryvyi Rih Raion, five youth teams received funding to implement their own social initiatives. With the support of the project KRYTSIA: Support for the Recovery of Kryvyi Rih Raion, young people transformed their ideas into tangible projects that are already creating new opportunities for learning, recreation, sports, and youth development across local communities.
The UActive programme, implemented by the charitable foundation savED, was launched in Kryvyi Rih Raion for the first time within the framework of the project KRYTSIA: Support for the Recovery of Kryvyi Rih Raion, funded by The Grand Duchy of Luxembourg and implemented by LuxDev, the Luxembourg Development Cooperation Agency, in partnership with Proman and the NDI, and with support from the non-governmental organisation Spirit of America.
Over the course of ten months, participants aged 13 to 17 developed skills in project management, leadership, and teamwork, while identifying local challenges and designing solutions tailored to the needs of their communities. Supported by mentors and teachers, the teams completed the entire project development cycle — from generating ideas to preparing implementation-ready project proposals.
Following a final selection process, an expert jury chose five winning teams. Each team received seed funding of USD 5,000 to bring its initiative to life. In total, more than USD 25,000 was allocated to support youth-led projects through the programme.
The programme resulted in five diverse initiatives addressing real needs within local communities. In Kryvyi Rih, the team “24/7” established the youth open space Sphere — a venue for creativity, sports, learning, and community events. According to the participants, the space will operate on the principles of youth self-governance, with young people themselves responsible for managing activities and shaping its future development.
Another team created a new basketball court with adjacent recreation areas, providing additional opportunities for active leisure and sports. The team NextGenUa implemented the project Teen Vibe Space — a safe and welcoming environment for social interaction, networking, youth events, and psychosocial well-being.
In the settlement of Radushne, participants reimagined the role of the local library by transforming it into a modern community hub with an updated book collection and dedicated space for trainings, workshops, and youth activities. Meanwhile, the team Impulse focused on youth employment and launched an information campaign aimed at helping teenagers access their first official work experience while increasing awareness among parents and employers about employment opportunities for young people.
The first UActive cohort in Kryvyi Rih Raion demonstrated that young people are ready to take an active role in the development of their communities when provided with the necessary knowledge, support, and resources. The spaces, services, and social initiatives created through the programme are already benefiting local residents and represent a practical investment in the development of youth potential across the raion.
Participation in the programme does not end with project implementation. Graduates will continue their journey as members of the nationwide UActive community, where they will have opportunities to further develop their initiatives, exchange experiences, and access new opportunities for community development. These young leaders are helping lay the foundation for the long-term recovery and sustainable development of Kryvyi Rih Raion.
