Youth Breaking Barriers: BDPU at The Youth All-Ukrainian Forum in Lviv!

On September 18, Lviv University of Trade and Economics became a hub of youth energy, bringing together active students from across Ukraine at The Youth Forum. Berdyansk State Pedagogical University was represented at this large-scale event by delegates from the Student Self-Government: Daria Tonkykh, a third-year undergraduate student majoring in Secondary Education (Mathematics) at the Faculty of Physics, Mathematics, Computer Science and Technology Education, and Anna Khatsko, a second-year master’s student majoring in Physical Education and Sports at the Faculty of Physical Education, Sports and Human Health. It was a great opportunity to discuss current youth policy issues and new opportunities for students.

The forum’s program consisted of three engaging blocks. Together with speakers Anna Dorosh and Viktoriia Kravets, participants discussed young people’s pathways into public institutions. Particular attention was paid to influencing policy through youth ambassadorship and the country’s European integration processes. Students learned how important it is to be proactive and make use of the available tools to turn their ideas into reality.

A separate panel discussion, “Government Without Distance,” focused on overcoming barriers between students and the state. Together with Members of Parliament Rostyslav Tistyk, Dmytro Kostiuk, and Taras Repytskyi, participants explored effective tools that young people can use to influence decision-making in the country. The key message of the discussion was clear: it is important not to give up after the first refusals, but to keep knocking on every door and standing up for one’s initiatives.

An especially valuable part of the forum was the exchange of experience on developing youth initiatives at relocated universities. The main piece of advice for BDPU students was to build a strong community and create a stakeholder map for their projects. The forum concluded with informal networking, providing an opportunity to meet like-minded people and exchange contacts.

We sincerely thank the Student Government of Lviv University of Trade and Economics and the Lviv Student Council for the invitation, the engaging event, and the space for open dialogue!

Daria Tonkykh,
third-year undergraduate student majoring in Secondary Education (Mathematics)