Nizhyn, Chernihiv Oblast, 2 September 2024 — In Nizhyn, Chernihiv Oblast, the “Place of Strength” Community Resilience Centre has been launched, thanks to the efforts of the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) in Ukraine and the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) in Ukraine, with generous funding from the European Union (EU).

The Centre will host seminars and training sessions aimed at enhancing resilience and improving mental health, with a particular focus on youth and families affected by the war. These activities will provide support to families who have experienced separation, loss or forced displacement, helping them adapt to new living conditions.

The Centre will also serve as a hub for initiatives intended to increase community security and environmental awareness. Additionally, young people will have the opportunity to participate in training on building healthy relationships and in day camps, where they will work through war-related traumatic experiences and develop essential life skills. The Centre will facilitate activities designed to strengthen connections between local and displaced youth, supporting their integration and the development of youth leadership, and deepening mutual understanding within the community.

Stefan Schleuning, Head of Cooperation at the EU Delegation to Ukraine, emphasized that pro-active communities are the driving force behind effective and inclusive recovery. “We are convinced that meaningful and impactful reconstruction starts at local level, as communities understand best their own needs, challenges and opportunities,” Mr Schleuning said. “The opening of this Resilience Centre is a great example of how a strong local initiative can amplify socially significant changes.”

Jaco Cilliers, UNDP Resident Representative in Ukraine, highlighted the importance of engaging youth in the recovery process. “Youth are our future, and should not be overshadowed by war,” Mr Cilliers said. “At UNDP, we strive to create conditions in which young people can not only realize their potential but also actively participate in the recovery and development of their communities. This will enable them to play a key role in building a resilient and prosperous society.”

Massimo Diana, UNFPA Representative to Ukraine, emphasized the pivotal role of youth in fostering community resilience, stating, “Youth are the essential human capital of communities, and their active participation is vital in building a future where everyone, including internally displaced persons, can flourish. The Resilience Centre’s efforts are essential to the recovery process, as they promote mental well-being and strengthen social cohesion, ensuring that no one is left behind.”

The total cost of the implemented initiative amounted to over US$125,000. UNDP assisted with the purchase of technical equipment to equip the Centre’s facilities, contributed to the component focused on fostering a security culture among youth, and incorporated environmental safety into the Centre’s model. UNFPA supported the initiative by conducting thematic training on resilience development, building healthy relationships, and youth leadership.

Background

The “Place of Strength” Resilience Centre in Nizhyn was an initiative of the NGO “Fishermen's Club of Ukraine – UA Fishing Club” and the NGO “Initiative Youth Laboratory,” with support from UNFPA and UNDP under the “EU4Recovery – Empowering Communities in Ukraine” project, with financial support from the European Union.

Media enquiries

Yuliia Samus, Head of Communications, UNDP in Ukraine; e-mail: yuliia.samus@undp.org