The project aims to empower NGOs and youth workers to cultivate leadership skills among displaced individuals and youth, enabling them to initiate and lead community-driven projects, thereby benefiting and strengthening local communities.
Our goals
Train Youth Workers
Equip youth workers with tools and skills to effectively support internally displaced people (DPs).
Improve Recognition
Enhance awareness of the benefits of youth work among target groups and the general population.
Train Displaced People
Provide DPs with leadership, organizational management, and fundraising skills.
Foster Active Citizenship
Encourage active citizenship among target groups, leading to initiatives in participating countries.
Promote Intercultural Exchange
Challenge stereotypes, encourage social engagement, and promote intercultural exchange and active participation.
Involve Displaced People
Ensure DPs participate in NGO and youth center activities across the participating countries.
How do we achieve it?
Training Course in Romania
In January, CPDIS hosted a five-day training course in Romania for 24 youth workers. This course provided participants with the necessary skills to work effectively with displaced people and to comply with EU youth policy guidelines. The training was thoroughly documented, and the insights gained were later used to create a comprehensive digital handbook for youth workers.
An analytical report based on the results of an all-Ukrainian study
The document will be useful for representatives of state bodies and local self-government bodies responsible for the development and implementation of youth policy, donors, youth organizations and other civil society organizations for effective planning of future programs and projects for displaced youth.
Multiplier Events
One-day events were organized in Romania, Lithuania, Ukraine, and Poland. These events aimed to raise awareness about the project, increase recognition of the possibilities within youth work, promote the digital handbook, and connect the target groups. Each event attracted at least 25 participants, facilitating engagement and the dissemination of the project’s outcomes to a wider audience.
Blue Hearts Platforms
Telegram and Substack platforms have been created for the target groups in the participating countries. These platforms provide a space for communication and sharing, as well as bi-weekly updates on the project and related news. Updates include project and funding calls, partnership opportunities, relevant workshops and tools, and success stories of the target groups.
Training “Volunteering from a new angle”
The training “Volunteering from a new angle” as part of the Erasmus+ “Blue Hearts” project was held on June 15 with the aim of increasing the interest of Stryi youth in volunteering. The participants of the event were 24 young people aged 16 to 25, including internally displaced persons (IDPs) who currently live in the Stryi community.
Training “City of changes: youth synergy for community development”
On July 5, within the framework of our “Blue Hearts” project, the “City of Changes: Youth Synergy for Community Development” training took place in Novovolynsk, which brought together 23 young people from the city and surrounding villages, including 10 internally displaced persons.
Guide “How to engage and benefit displaced people through youth work?”
This comprehensive guide is designed to help youth workers effectively integrate and support displaced people in their communities. It offers practical strategies, insightful advice and inspiring stories to ensure that everyone can contribute to and benefit from youth work.
“Blue Hearts” youth exchange in Lithuania
What does it mean to be a migrant? How does it feel to be in a new country where you are not understood, where your culture is something distant and unknown?
The participants of the Ukrainian team, together with young people from 🇷🇴 Romania, 🇵🇱 Poland and 🇱🇹 Lithuania, tried to find answers to these questions during an international youth exchange in Lithuania.
Mentorship support of youth initiatives.
Part 1
The initiatives focus on young people who have lost their homes because of the war, but have not lost their desire to create, be heard, and bring change. That’s why the project team provided mentoring support, resources, and inspiration to help them realize their ideas.
Mentorship support of youth initiatives.
Part 2
Young people, especially internally displaced persons, find opportunities for self-expression, emotional recovery and new social connections through creative and community activities. Together we create a safe space where everyone can find support and inspiration
Study Visit “Creative Hive”: How Mykolaiv students were inspired to create a social school business”
In the spring, students of the Mykolaiv Lyceum “Academy of Children’s Creativity” visited Kyiv region as part of the international project Blue Hearts.
Mentorship support of youth initiatives.
Part 3
We are pleased to share with you the results of three initiatives we have implemented to support and integrate internally displaced persons.
Forum-theater: how youth workers in Zaporizhzhia mastered innovative methods for working with IDP youth
On May 31, 2025, a one-day study visit was held in Zaporizhzhia for community workers who work with youth, including internally displaced persons.
Mentorship support of youth initiatives.
Part 4
This time, we are pleased to present three important projects that have created space for creativity, communication, and interaction among young people and IDP families.
Blue Hearts Networking Forum
On August 9, the final Erasmus+ forum of the Blue Hearts project, organized by the NGO Young Agents of Change, took place in Kyiv.
Study Visit “Together for Change”
On June 14–15, a study visit took place in Kyiv, where young activists discussed the challenges faced by IDPs, shared their experiences, and developed joint strategies for integration into communities.
Blue Hearts International Forum in Lublin
On September 7, Lublin became a meeting place for hearts and ideas! It was here that the final event of the two-year Blue Hearts project took place — an international forum that brought together activists, youth workers, and everyone who is making a difference in their communities.