Without air raid sirens and stress. How did young people from all over Ukraine #learn4democracy

The #Learn4Democracy School took place in the mountainous region of Lviv Oblast, within the Skole Beskids National Nature Park. Participants were young people, students from various fields of study and young professionals, including both experienced civic activists and those just beginning their journey in the movement for change.

The first day began with an icebreaker session led by Ievgeniia Shelest, coordinator of the “Organizational Development”. This session helped create an open and trusting atmosphere, laying the foundation for effective teamwork throughout the program.

The training component was opened by Konstantin Palshkov, co-coordinator of the “Communication” direction, with an interactive session titled “What Is Democracy and Civic Education: Why Does Your Voice Really Matter?” Through a mix of game-based exercises and participants’ own experiences, the group quickly immersed themselves in the core ideas of democratic governance.

The program continued with a presentation by NGO activist Oleksandr Krasnokutskyi on “Democracy: From Definitions to Understanding.” Participants gained a structured and comprehensive understanding of democracy—from the origins of the concept to its modern-day practices, principles, and challenges, particularly within the Ukrainian context.

A distinctive feature of the school was the thoughtful combination of learning and active recreation. On the second day, participants engaged in a range of activities—from pottery and soap-making workshops to challenges at an extreme sports park and a climbing wall.

For many, however, these activities meant more than just entertainment. A significant number of participants have lived through the realities of war—some experiencing occupation, others coping with its lasting consequences. In this context, such moments became an important part of emotional recovery, offering space to recharge, feel supported, and reconnect in a safe and trusting environment.

The third day was opened by Vladyslava Kritska, news feed editor at Tsukr (Sumy), who delivered a session on “How Can Local Media Strengthen Democracy?” She shared practical insights into media work and its role in shaping democratic culture at the community level. During a hands-on exercise, participants developed their own concepts for regional media platforms addressing pressing local issues—from uncontrolled urban development to environmental challenges.

Bohdan Ferens, founder of the NGO “Progressive&Strong”, shared insights into the organization’s development and encouraged participants to move from ideas to concrete action by implementing their own initiatives in their communities.

A particularly meaningful segment of the program was a simulation workshop on inclusion, led by veteran Artem Bondarev together with rehabilitation specialist Yulia Babaeva. Participants gained a deeper understanding of the experiences of people with visual impairments and learned how to interact in an inclusive and respectful way.

Activist Yulia Shmalenko facilitated a presidential election simulation. Working in teams, participants developed campaign platforms, presented their candidates, and engaged in debates—transforming the session into a dynamic and immersive democratic exercise.

For many, this was their first experience of this kind, as a significant number had never previously participated in elections. The simulation allowed them to step into the roles of both candidates and voters, experiencing democratic processes firsthand. As a follow-up, participants were tasked with drafting appeals to local authorities, focusing on improving the inclusivity of public spaces in their communities.

On the final day, teams presented their own projects—from initial ideas to implementation plans in communities and educational institutions—as part of the “Designing Youth Initiatives: Learn for Democracy” workshop. A key strength of this session was the opportunity to receive constructive feedback from both peers and the NGO team.

The organization’s HR manager, Liudmila Kornuta, encouraged participants to continue their personal and professional development and build on the knowledge and experience they had gained.

The school concluded with a hike in the mountains. Participants climbed Mount Konyk (786 m), covering an 8-kilometer route. Scenic views, stops at cliffs and natural springs, and the shared experience made this day especially memorable. The group was accompanied by the camp dog, Tetris, who quickly became a favorite among participants.

It is difficult to say what participants will remember most—the morning “Ariva” exercises, the mock election, the mountain hike, or the new friendships formed along the way. What is certain, however, is that the #Learn4Democracy School became a space where young people not only learned about democracy, but also began to actively create it despite the war and uncertainty.