Ukrainian teenagers are invited to take part in the Swiss training program Democracy Hubs in Switzerland

In the face of a full-scale invasion, Ukraine faces not only military challenges, but also the need to ensure sustainable democratic development. One of the key factors of the future of the country is the education of the youth, because it will determine the level of activity of citizens in the process of restoring the state. According to the study “The impact of the war on youth in Ukraine”, conducted by the NGO “Analytical Center Cedos” and the research agency “Info Sapiens”, 72% of Ukrainian youth are ready to participate in the reconstruction of their communities. However, only 1% of them are already involved in such processes. This indicates an urgent need to create effective platforms and opportunities for the development of civic activity and democratic consciousness of teenagers.

Programs that allow young people to gain experience in participating in democratic processes and learn to apply the acquired knowledge in practice are an important step on this path. One such opportunity is the Democracy Hubs in Switzerland educational project, which is aimed at Ukrainian teenagers aged 14-16.

What is Democracy Hubs in Switzerland?

Democracy Hubs in Switzerland is an educational project that offers Ukrainian teenagers the opportunity to take part in a trip to Switzerland and undergo an intensive educational program covering key aspects of democracy, civic engagement and critical thinking. The program is implemented with the support of the Swiss foundation Hirschmann Stiftung, which aims to promote the development of young people by providing opportunities for active learning and participation in democratic processes.

The project was developed with an emphasis on the practical application of knowledge and familiarity with the successful functioning of social and civil institutions in Switzerland – a country that is considered one of the models of democracy in the world. Teenagers will not only acquire useful skills, but will also be able to adapt successful examples for the Ukrainian context.

Format and terms of participation in the project

As part of the program, 16 teenagers from different regions of Ukraine will be able to go on a study visit to Switzerland in mid-February 2025. Before the trip, participants must complete a digital course that prepares them for the main program and selection. The competition itself involves a thorough evaluation process, where participants are required to demonstrate the ability to think independently, argue their own position, and show motivation to study.

To participate in the project, you need:

• be in the age category of 14-16 years;
• speak English at the B1 level;
• have a foreign biometric passport;
• fill out the registration form, where the answers must be provided independently (the use of artificial intelligence is not allowed).

Selection for participation in the program will last until January 10, 2025.

Curriculum and key skills

During the trip to Switzerland, the project participants will be able to deepen their knowledge of the principles of democracy, the mechanisms of its functioning and the role of civic activity in the development of a democratic state. The curriculum will combine theoretical classes, practical workshops and interactive discussions.

The main skills that the project participants will receive will be:

Critical thinking. Teenagers will learn to analyze information, evaluate its reliability and formulate reasoned conclusions.

Advocacy and communication. The program will help the participants to develop the ability to effectively defend their ideas, convey their thoughts to a wide audience and work on solving socially important problems.

Understanding democracy. Young people will learn how democracy works on the example of Switzerland and how democratic tools can be used to solve current challenges in Ukraine.

Such training is of great importance for the formation of active citizens who in the future will be able to participate in the restoration of Ukraine and the development of a democratic state.

The importance of the project for Ukraine

The Democracy Hubs in Switzerland project does not just provide teenagers with knowledge – it creates conditions for their practical application in real life. In modern realities, when Ukraine needs active youth, ready to join public initiatives and democratic processes, such programs become necessary.

The experience gained in Switzerland will help Ukrainian teenagers not only to understand democratic values, but also to actively apply them in their communities. The critical thinking, advocacy, and communication skills acquired through the program will contribute to their personal development and increase the level of civic engagement in the country.

Educational projects like Democracy Hubs in Switzerland play an extremely important role in the modern conditions for Ukraine. They help young people to form a conscious civic position and teach them to be active participants in democratic processes. Thanks to such initiatives, teenagers have the opportunity to see how democracy works in one of the most successful countries in the world, and bring this experience to build a strong, just and democratic Ukraine.