THE CONCEPT

OF A MODERN YOUTH CENTER

FROM THE PERSPECTIVE OF YOUTH
MARCH-APRIL, 2021
TABLE OF CONTENTS

EXECUTIVE SUMMARY ......................................................................................................................................................................... 3

METHODOLOGY ....................................................................................................................................................................................... 3
Focus group discussions (March 10–12, 2021) ..................................................................................................................... 3
Online survey (March 29–April 12, 2021).................................................................................................................................. 3
Research limitations ......................................................................................................................................................................... 4
FOCUS GROUP FINDINGS .................................................................................................................................................................. 5
SURVEY FINDINGS ..................................................................................................................................................................................7
Experience of visiting youth centers .......................................................................................................................................7
Reasons not to attend a youth center .................................................................................................................................. 8
Willingness to attend a youth center .....................................................................................................................................9
Concept of a Youth Center ..........................................................................................................................................................10
A perfect youth center is…............................................................................................................................................................. 11
Learning needs ................................................................................................................................................................................... 16
Top three opportunities in a youth center ........................................................................................................................ 21
Barriers to and motivation for attending a youth center ........................................................................................ 21
A modern youth center from the perspective of people over 35 ....................................................................... 23
CONCLUSIONS AND RECOMMENDATIONS ........................................................................................................................ 24
Youth center attendance ............................................................................................................................................................ 24
Concept of a modern youth center ...................................................................................................................................... 24

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EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
This report summarizes the findings from the quantitative and qualitative research on the vision of
modern youth centers in Ukraine completed in March–April 2021 by the IREX UNITY team. The
purpose of this research is to understand youth (10–35 years old) expectations and needs of modern
youth centers. The research takes a deep dive into specific components of modern youth centers,
including the desired design of the physical space, youth center staff profiles, location, naming, and
the skills and knowledge taught there, as desired by youth. The research also focuses on
understanding key motivational factors for youth to attend youth centers and outlines major
barriers.

With the new Law on Youth in force1, the findings of this research will be used to channel key
stakeholders’ efforts in modernizing the network of youth centers in Ukraine in line with needs and
expectations of youth themselves. It will also spearhead the UNITY program efforts in designing 12
youth centers for the six target oblasts where the program currently operates.

METHODOLOGY
The research incorporates qualitative (focus group discussions) and quantitative (online survey)
methodologies. The methodology was developed in close coordination with the UNITY Youth
Center Lead to reflect the ongoing needs of the program. The field work was conducted in a
sequential manner, with focus groups being completed in March, and the survey field work taking
place in March and April 2021. Research findings were discussed in UNITY’s school for youth center
leaders and compared to local research done by youth center initiative groups when they applied
to take part in UNITY. A detailed description of the research is provided below.

Focus group discussions (March 10–12, 2021)

UNITY organized three online focus group discussions in which UNITY Youth Advisory Council (YAC)
members expressed their vision of how youth centers should serve their communities. Twenty-
seven young people participated in the focus groups, of whom 17 were women/girls and
ten were men/boys. The focus group participants represented different regions of Ukraine and
were organized in three age cohorts: 10–14 years old (six participants), 15–19 years old (13
participants), 20–35 years old (eight participants).

Online survey (March 29–April 12, 2021)

The different visions expressed in the focus groups formed the basis of a nationwide online survey
to further inform the youth center strategy and include voices of underrepresented groups. The
survey questionnaire was posted online and shared among partner organizations that work with
the LGBTQ+ community, Roma women’s community, and people with disabilities.

1
https://zakon.rada.gov.ua/laws/show/1414-20#Text
3
The total number of respondents across the country was 245:

• 80% live in urban areas

• 20% live in rural areas
Gender2 Age groups
10–14 – 9%
15–19 – 45%
20–24 – 13%
65% 35% 25–29 – 11%
women men 30–35 – 15%
and girls and boys 35+ – 7%

Thirty-five percent of the respondents said they

experienced obstacles to opportunities to participate
in societal life or to achieving their goals. Among
those respondents, the cited obstacles were:
36% age
31% their place of residence (city or village)
21% disability
13% health
10% sexual orientation
7% political views
3% gender identity
1% religious beliefs
1% ethnic origin
*in % of those who stated having fewer opportunities (N=67)

The answers of 15% of the total number of respondents (35 answers) were analyzed in more depth
to highlight the specific needs of vulnerable and underrepresented groups. This group includes
answers received from partner organizations serving vulnerable groups and the answers of those
who reported fewer opportunities because of a disability, health, sexual orientation, gender identity,
political views, religious beliefs, and ethnic origin. Within this group, 60% identified as women and
40% as men. All the age groups mentioned above are represented in this subgroup.

Although not solicited, some survey respondents were over 35 years old (18 answers). Their
responses were reviewed and analyzed separately for comparative purposes only. Their data is not
presented in the findings on youth below.

Research limitations
Due to the nature of the online survey with self-selection sample, quantitative results of this report
cannot be extrapolated to the opinion of all Ukrainian youth. The sample does represent opinions
of youth from all regions of Ukraine, and it is slightly skewed towards Kharkiv, Kherson, Kyiv, and
Poltava oblasts. The demographic distribution is also uneven; more girls took the survey than boys,
and 15–19 year olds were the most represented group.

2
Survey participants were also given the option of “other”, although no-one selected this option, whilst 1% did not
answer. The percentages presented are of those who answered the question.
4
FOCUS GROUP FINDINGS
Awareness of youth centers
• In general, focus group participants see youth spaces and youth centers as places to relax and
unwind from the formal atmosphere of schools, socialize with like-minded people, take up a
hobby, or discover something new and interesting.
• When given a choice between the phrases “youth center” and “youth space”, the vast majority
of respondents agreed that “space” sounds freer and more substantial, while “center” is
associated with red tape and excessive formality.
• Participants' level of familiarity with youth centers varied: some claimed they did not have a
youth center within their community, or it was difficult to access; some said that they had
visited youth facilities but did so irregularly; and some actively participated in the functioning
of their local youth center.
• As for impressions of visiting youth centers, one of the first things to be mentioned was the
atmosphere; one respondent described it as "comfortable", i.e., devoid of strictness and
formality.

The vision of the desired youth center

• When choosing the most important elements of a youth center, the atmosphere of “peace,
respect, friendliness, and safety” was considered to be essential. Respondents also frequently
mentioned the need for friendly staff who would treat visitors with respect, the availability of
professional trainers in different fields, and interesting programming. The accessibility of the
center was also high on the list of priorities mentioned by the participants.
• Curiously, the availability of food and beverages was deemed significantly more important by
male participants than female ones.

Portrait of an ideal youth center employee

• Focus group participants mentioned motivation and a sincere desire to work with young
people, sociability, tolerance, and inclusivity, as well as being generally “on the same
wavelength” with youth as the most relevant characteristics for a youth center employee.
• In addition, various technical skills were often brought up, such as computer literacy, design
skills (for creating posters, for example), and experience using different online tools, including
social networks, to support and promote the activities of the center.
• Managerial skills also featured in many responses, including the ability to organize events and
coordinate the work of multiple people. While some participants argued that the age or level
of experience was not a crucial factor for a youth center employee, several respondents,
especially in the youngest cohort, considered it desirable for youth center staff to be young
themselves.

5
Participation in youth center operation
• Participants expressed a readiness to engage in most aspects of the youth center, from the
development of the concept to its implementation, in particular, choosing the formats and
content of events and assisting during events. Many respondents supported the idea of
sharing their views on the functioning of youth spaces through voting or through online forms.
• According to participants, Telegram, Instagram, and TikTok are the communication platforms
that would be best suited for interaction between youth center visitors and their
administrators, as well as getting visitor feedback and promoting events.

Terms of visiting a youth center

• In concert with their previous answers, many participants singled out the "atmosphere" as a
key factor in making their decision about whether to visit the center or return to it. The
importance of feedback from other people, particularly friends and acquaintances, was also
repeatedly mentioned. Also significant for the respondents was the freedom to speak about
any topic and the inclusivity (accessibility).
• Predictably, the center’s schedule and its location were also identified as important factors for
attendance. Preferred hours of operation varied depending on the life circumstances of
different respondents, such as the need to attend extracurricular activities or studying in the
late afternoon.
• Opinions were divided on whether youth centers should be set up on the premises of schools
or universities. Many respondents were against it, believing this posed the risk of centers
taking on the negative features of the school routine. Those who supported the idea argued
that deliberate efforts should be made to preserve the independence of the center from
educational formalism and bureaucracy.

Principles of a youth center

• According to participants, youth centers should strive to be as inclusive as possible, actively
declaring tolerance and openness to different ideas in order to attract the widest possible
audience with a variety of backgrounds and beliefs.
• At the same time, the center should have policies to ensure that every visitor can feel
comfortable and not expect to encounter hostility or neglect from other guests or employees.
• Respondents said that in terms of the primary audience, youth centers should focus on
attracting younger people, such as schoolchildren because attending such places will help
them to understand what they want to do in life. Representatives of public organizations and
activists should also be primary engagement targets, as well as people who want to explore
their interests and would benefit from meeting new, like-minded people.

6
SURVEY FINDINGS

Experience of visiting youth centers

Among those aged 10–35 years old who were surveyed, 60% have never visited a youth center and
36% said that they have visited a youth center in their community. Some mentioned that they had
been involved in creating such centers on a voluntary basis. Among other answers, several
respondents emphasized that there had been places for youth in their community (a skatepark,
youth center) but now they are closed or damaged. Fifty percent of those who did not know if there
was such a place in their community were young people from Mykolaiv Oblast and 11% from
Kherson Oblast.
Are you aware of the existence of a youth center The highest number of respondents who
in your community? were sure that they did not have such a
space or center for youth were from
Kirovohrad, Lviv, Chernihiv, Kherson, and
Poltava oblasts. Among those who were
sure that they did not have a youth center
in their community, 53% lived in urban
areas, and 47% in rural areas. But this
indicates not only the absence of youth
spaces in communities but also low
awareness of youth centers. For example,
two respondents from Zhmerynka city
(Vinnytsia oblast) said they do not have
such a place in their community, whilst
*in % of the respondents aged 10–35 years old (n=227)
two other respondents from the same city
said they are current visitors of youth
spaces in their community.3

Within the subgroup of vulnerable and underrepresented youth, the share of those who were
aware of a youth center but have never visited it was twice as big as in the overall sample (34%
compared to 17%).

The main reason not to attend a youth center for half of underrepresented groups was the lack of
information about such places. Other reasons included inconvenient location (17%) and the lack of
amenities for people with disabilities (8%). One of the respondents said that he did not need a youth
space because he had “one of his own” and another one mentioned that youth with disabilities do
not have any chance "to live a full life" in their community even if they had such a place.

3
As of August 2021, the Ukrainian government does not have accurate statistics on the total number of youth centers.
Therefore, there is way to corroborate whether respondents simply did not know if there was a youth center in their
region or if one did not exist. The International Organization for Migration are gathering data on the number of youth
centers, which will be available in October.
7
Frequency of visiting a youth center
Seventy-five percent of those who said they
75% weekly currently attended a youth center in their
15% once every two or three weeks community usually did it weekly.

5% once a month Among those who visit it weekly:

5% less than once a month 62% – visit it more than twice a week
26% – once a week
*In % of those who currently attend a youth center in 13% – twice a week
their community (n=55)

Reasons not to attend a youth center

For those who have attended a youth center For those who have never been to one but were
previously, the main reasons not to attend aware of such a place in their community, the
them now were: main reasons not to attend them were:

1. Lack of relevant events and services. 1. Lack of information about such places.
Twenty-two percent of those surveyed Forty-four percent of the surveyed youth cited
mentioned that they did not attend a youth the lack of information as the main reason to
center because of a lack of relevant events. not have attended a youth center.
Some mentioned that they could find them in
other places for active youth (such as the The things people were not sufficiently
Ukrainian Leadership Academy). informed about included available
services, schedule of events, how to participate,
2. Inconvenient schedule was the main and the information about accessibility.
reason not to visit a youth center for 19% of
respondents who had previously visited a 2. Inconvenient schedule was cited by 15% of
youth center. those who have never visited a center, half of
whom mentioned that the events were held at
3. COVID-19 restrictions were the main inconvenient times. The other half said that in
reason not to visit a youth center for 19% of the general, the work schedule was inconvenient
who had previously visited a youth center. for them.

4. Uncomfortable relationships were the 3. Inconvenient location of a youth center was

main reason not to attend such a place for the main reason not to visit for 13% of the
14% of former visitors, half of whom surveyed youth.
mentioned that these relationships were
towards the staff, and another half said that 4. Lack of acquaintances in youth centers: 8%
they were towards other visitors. of surveyed youth said that their friends do not
go there, and they do not want to go there
5. Inconvenient location was the main by themselves.
reason not to attend for 11% for those who
used to visit a youth center but do not
anymore.

8
Among other reasons were the following: Among other reasons were the following:

• 7% said that the reason is that none of their • 5% did not know because they have never
friends visit with them. been interested in searching for information
about it.
• 7% believed that such a place was only for
younger age groups: • 5% cited the lack of relevant events and
services.
It is no longer relevant for me, it is
designed for schoolchildren, and I am • 5% said that there were other more
already a university student. interesting places for them (for example –
America House)
I have already grown out of
volunteering and other social projects. • 3% did not visit because they did not agree
with its goals, values, and reputation due to
• 4% decided not to visit it because they did its proximity to certain political groups.
not agree with its goals, values, and
reputation due to its proximity to political • 3% did not visit it because it did not have
groups. sufficient amenities for people with
disabilities (e.g., there were no ramps,
mobile furniture, etc.).

Willingness to attend a youth center

If they had a chance, 81% of those whose Would you like to attend such a facility?
community did not have such a place for
youth or did not know if there was such a
place would like to visit one.

For the 18% who did not want to visit a

youth center or were not sure if they
wanted to visit, the main reason not to
attend was either a lack of free time or
not seeing the value of visiting:

Why should I do it?

I do not need it.
*In % of those who do not have such a place for youth or do not
I see no reason to go there. know if they have such a place in their community (n=97)

Among the 18% of those who were not sure if they wanted to visit such a place (answered “do not
know”, “no probably” and “no definitely”) 85% were aged 15–19 years old and 90% lived in urban
areas. Youth from Mykolaiv Oblast (55% of those who were not sure) and Poltava Oblast (20%)
demonstrated the lowest willingness. Additionally, 70% of those who were not sure of their
willingness to attend places for youth identified themselves as women or girls.

To define the value of such a place for youth, the respondents were asked to name what would be
the main benefit of a youth center. The options presented in the survey were based on the results
of focus group discussions.

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What do you consider the main value of such a place?

*in % of the respondents aged 10–35 years old (n=227)

Among the “other” answers offered by the respondents were general opportunities to broaden
their horizons by learning something new in different areas and things not taught in school,
opportunities to ask questions on important topics, or “to come and to find something interesting
to do for me and my kids”.

Within the subgroup of vulnerable and underrepresented youth, meeting new people and
communication were also named as one of the most important benefits (mentioned by 20% of the
respondents), and the second most mentioned was the opportunity to learn something new (also
for 20%). Improving community life was valuable for 11% of vulnerable and underrepresented youth
compared to 20% for the total group. The proportion of vulnerable/underrepresented people who
stated the importance of the opportunity to include different groups of youth in community life
was twice as big as for the total group (14% against 7% for the total group).

Concept of a youth center

Naming
More than half (59%) of surveyed young people prefer If a youth facility opened in your area, what
to call such a place a “Youth Space” (“Molodizhnyi would you prefer it to be called?
prostir”). Focus group participants also preferred
using “Space” instead of “Center” in the name because
it implies the greater freedom of ideas that exists in
such places.

Among other options were the names “Youth Space”

in English or “Public Space” (“Hromadskyi prostir” or
“Suspilnyi prostir”), “Youth Parliament” (“Molodizhnyi
parliament”) or “Creative inclusive center for young
people with disabilities 18+ "Mriy ta Diy!!!". Several
young people mentioned that they would like to use
a creative and unique name, for example, “Pantry”
(“Komora”).
*in % of the respondents aged 10–35 years old (n=227)

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Placement
To finalize the strategy of youth centers, the respondents were asked to evaluate three types of
institutions as potential locations for future youth centers: libraries, schools or lyceums, and
universities or other higher education institutes. The majority of surveyed youth (69%) tended to
support the idea of youth centers located in libraries. The least desired idea was a school-based
youth center (28% did not support this option).
Which institution is preferable as a basis for a youth space?

*in % of the respondents aged 10-35 years old (n=227)

Management model
Respondents were offered several models of youth engagement for organizing and managing the
activities of a place for youth. Respondents stressed the importance of interaction between staff
and visitors in managing and organizing activities.

Which role should youth attending such a facility have in organizing and managing its activity?

70% Youth work with the facility’s staff to both discuss ideas and put them into practice
16% Staff put forward suggestions, and youth helps put the ideas into practice
7% Youth put forward suggestions, and staff put them into practice
3% Staff put forward suggestions and organize everything by themselves
4% Hard to say
*in % of the respondents aged 10–35 years old (n=227)

A perfect youth center is…

The respondents were asked to write down the first thing that comes to mind after the prompt: “A
perfect youth center/space is…” They described their perfect place for youth in terms of the features
of the physical space, opportunities for communication and networking, the feelings it evokes,
support, inclusiveness, meaningful free time, self-development opportunities, creativity, and
realizing creative ideas.

Some young people described a perfect youth space as a place

SUPPORT where young people can find support. It could be psychosocial
support, informational support, or support for obtaining physical or
material resources. Young people would like to be supported in
building relationships with peers or parents, feeling emotional comfort, attaining personal
growth, professional realization, and getting prepared for the future.

It is a place where youth can get any kind of support. A place where you can find not only answers about
A place where youth can be supported in their personal growth but also ways and resources for its
aspirations and plans. realization.
It means supporting each other and getting prepared Support with consultations and maybe resources
for the future. (people, premises, equipment).
A place where somebody supports and helps you. A place where I can be supported in improving
relations with my parents and doing homework.

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 COMMUNICATION Describing their perfect place for youth, respondents emphasized
the importance of communication. This need was described
AND NETWORKING
through the following perspectives:
Making friendship and new contacts
New people and interesting communication. A place where you can find a lot of new friends.
Somewhere you can make new contacts with peers. A place for making new contacts.

Belonging to a like-minded community

A place where like-minded people can interact It is a place where I can find like-minded people
comfortably and easily. and discuss important topics with peers.
A community of people interested in personal growth. It is a friendly community of like-minded people.

Collaboration and teamwork

It is a place where fruitful cooperation arises. It is a place for comfortable communication that
To listen and to hear each other, to make joint decisions, gives birth to creative collaboration.
to act together. Where there is teamwork without rivalry.

Exchange of views
The intersection of people with different ideas, tastes, Lots of interesting, different people with
and views. interesting ideas!

Some young people described a perfect place for youth through the
FEELINGS
feelings it evoked. In a perfect youth space, they would like to feel:
Safe
It is a safe space. The place is accessible and safe.
Free
A place where people feel liberated and comfortable, so A place where everything is clear and easy.
they can generate a lot of ideas for creating something. I do not need to ask somebody for something.
When you can easily share your thoughts and ideas. A space where your initiatives and ideas are not
A space open to different ideas. limited by others.
Accepted and respected
It is a place where you are always welcomed. A place where people can hear you without
It is a place where you can follow your soul’s voice and judging and where my ideas and thoughts are
you are not afraid of condemnation. considered.
There is no place for pathos and bullying. It is a place of mutual respect.

Valued
Feeling that you are important. When you feel that you are useful for your
It is when every participant is important, and your values community.
and beliefs are supported. It is when you are valued.
Comfortable being themselves
An environment that unites different people but allows Feeling that you can be who you really are.
you to be yourself. A place where you are perceived as you are.
Cozy
A place where you feel at home. To feel warmth … It is a place for my soul.

In a friendly environment
It is when people around are smiling and positive. There is life in the space, you can feel the constant
Friendly atmosphere. movement and communication is buzzing.
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 Some described their youth space in terms of inclusiveness, emphasizing
INCLUSIVINESS that people must have equal access to the place and its services, and
services should be available to and relevant for different age groups.

Equal access and opportunities

A place where you are treated the same as everyone else A space that is free to visit, which has everything to
and other people listen to your opinion, regardless of meet everyone’s basic needs and not only the
age, gender, or social status. needs of certain people or groups.
It is a free space with activities for education and the A comfortable place for people aged 18–24, 30–35
development of different age groups of young people, and others, so everyone has something to do there.
regardless of their social status. A place where anyone can come and have a good
A place where everyone is happy, and everyone feels time.
comfortable and safe. There is a place for everyone in my perfect space for
Accessible and open for everyone who wants to come. youth.
Equal opportunities for self-development.
Integration

A place that develops youth but also engages other Integration of different people.
groups of people, if possible.

A perfect place was described as a physical space with equipment and

PHYSICAL SPACE personnel to make it comfortable. Youth saw it as a large spacious area
with modern design and equipment that is accessible physically (easy
to get to) and digitally (easy to find the information online).
Design and equipment
A modern room with a stylish design, modern devices, Modern, open, mobile space.
interesting games, and allows you to develop and express A place in harmony with nature.
yourself.
Large, spacious place for youth.
Comfortable and accessible for everyone, with lots of
information about the youth space on the internet and social It is cozy and convenient
networks. (both the equipment, and the location).
Large room with stylish design and soft furniture

Respondents were asked about the desired technical equipment in a youth center. Seventy-nine
percent pointed out that they would like to have access to some equipment, 14% said that it was
not important for them to have access to technical equipment, and 7% found it hard to answer.

The desired gadgets for Youth Spaces Among the desired equipment the most
frequently mentioned were laptops and
projectors.
The opportunity to use the laptops was
described both as occasional (during
particular events in youth centers) and
using them more regularly as part of the
working area of a youth center.
Among other responses for desired
equipment were:

• multi-functional printers
*in % of those who would like to have access to technical equipment • camcorders
in such a facility (n=182)
**several answers were possible
• musical equipment and microphones

13
Areas of the space
A spacious room with free coworking area, library, and sports ground in the yard.
A space with workplaces where you can communicate with others.
Workspace and a place for events.
This is the way we see our center:
• Locker rooms, toilets • Sports ground with special coating and fence
• Educational kitchen • Workshops for sewing, making candles, soap, pottery
• Computer class • Assembly hall (communication space)
• Theater studio (puppets) • Video library and interactive whiteboard and projector
• Wall of indoor flowers • Art therapy development studio for youth with disabilities, using
• Classrooms inclusive programs and methods.
• Ecological zone • Training apartment to prepare youth with disabilities over 18 for
• Exercise room with simulators independent life

Youth center staff

The staff focus on the quality of Friendly curators who communicate with young people who come
events, not just the quantity of events to the center.

Respondents were asked about the most important qualities of youth center staff. The proposed
list of qualities presented in the survey was based on the results of the focus group discussion with
the UNITY Youth Advisory Council members.

The survey results were consistent with the focus group discussions. For youth, the most important
quality of a youth worker was being on the same wavelength as youth—meaning understanding
their interests and needs—as well as the ability of a youth worker to find approaches for different
people, different situations, and resolve conflicts.

Which three qualities do you consider most important for youth center staff?
63% Being “on the same wavelength” as youth—understanding their interests and needs
50% Knowing how to talk to different people, resolve conflicts
40% Knowing how to lead and take responsibility
37% Having strong managerial skills
23% Having a broad outlook and knowledge about opportunities for different youth groups
21% Being empathetic and friendly to other people
Being engaging (knowing how to make people laugh, entertain, and pique their
15%
interest)
12% Being knowledgeable and skilled in dealing with children and youth
10% Being knowledgeable and experienced in psychology
8% Staying tidy, organized, and focused
*in % of the respondents aged 10–35 years old (n=227)
** three answers were possible

14
 Some young respondents described a perfect place for youth as “a
MEANINGFUL
recreational platform” or “a place where youth spend their free time”
FREE TIME or “a place where you can go after school” or “where youth have
meaningful leisure time”. Meaningful leisure time means:
Personal growth while relaxing
A place where you can grow personally while relaxing. It is a combination of leisure and
A space where you can broaden your horizons: travel together, development.
and have entertainment and learning opportunities at the same A place to express myself.
time.
A place where you can choose between having fun and learning.

Fun and anti-stress

A place to relax, away from problems. A safe place where you can have fun.
Sport and psychology for relaxation. A place where my soul can relax.

What would you like to do in your free time?

When answering the question about
the desired type of leisure,
respondents stressed the
importance of communication
regardless of the activity.
Other options included a book club,
an open dialogue club, debate club,
lectures on different topics (such as
cinema, theater, urban history). But
the important factor in each answer
was the chance to have a discussion
*in % of the respondents aged 10–35 years old (n=227)
**several answers were possible
with others.

A perfect youth center was also described as a “platform for

CREATIVITY AND
creativity”, as a place where young people can interact, generate new
REALIZING IDEAS creative ideas, and find a way or resources to implement them.

Creativity and generating ideas

A place where young people can initiate their ideas. A place of creativity—everyone can create freely.
… and find like-minded people to realize [their ideas]. A place where you can create and learn how to
A place to start a new project/event/startup. create something, and new ideas arise.

Implementing ideas
Unlimited space for implementing ideas, creativity, and Space for realizing youth ideas and thoughts.
self-improvement. New opportunities for implementing ideas.
A place where you and like-minded people can
implement interesting projects.

Improving community life

An environment of motivated people who generate A place where young people from different
interesting and useful ideas and implement them for communities can work on joint projects and reveal
the benefit of society. their strengths.
A space that unites people who care about their A place where people can change the life of their
community and who are ready to develop it. city for the better with their creativity and initiative.

15
 Respondents described a perfect space as a “place for self-
PERSONAL
improvement” or as “a platform for self-development” that provides
GROWTH youth with information and skills for personal growth and self-
realization. It was described through the following perspectives:
Self-development
A space where you can expand your horizons, make Care for spiritual and aesthetic development.
new, useful acquaintances, and reveal your own skills A group of young people who strive to become
and professionalism. better as people and as future professionals.
A space of like-minded people aimed at development, Where every young person can find answers to
not at degradation with alcohol. questions about self-development and leisure. And
A place for youth development and capacity building. maybe even ways to implement ideas.

An opportunity to learn something new and share one’s own experiences

A place where young people gain new knowledge in An open space for young people, where everyone
areas that are not studied at school (psychology, can learn or implement their ideas.
finance, business), there are intellectual games and A place to get acquainted with something new and
competitions, language learning, and so on. gain knowledge.
To learn something new and important for the future. …where I can learn new things and share
…where one can learn something new for oneself. experiences.

Developing skills
An opportunity to acquire practical skills. Attend interesting and informative events, gain
A place to develop youth leadership. new skills and abilities.
A place where I can acquire the skills needed to A place where young people can develop skills.
promote my ideas and actively take part in society. …where active youth can increase their abilities.

Finding yourself and self-realization

Comfortable, safe, and accessible environment for all A place where young people can realize
categories, where everyone can find themselves and themselves with the necessary support and skills.
realize their potential. A place where you can realize yourself.
A place where everyone can find themselves. A place for self-realization in society.

Learning needs
To know more about learning areas that can fulfill the need for personal growth and self-realization,
the respondents were asked to share the skills that they would like to develop and the issues that
they wanted to be more aware of. Additionally, they named specific fields for which experts could
give masterclasses or other support. Summarizing the answers, these issues and skills can be found
in the following areas:

• Improving community life and civic engagement • Ecology and environment protection
• Grant writing and applying for funding • Arts
• Self-determination, professional orientation, employment • Languages
• Entrepreneurship • Psychology
• Social media marketing • Law and rights
• Project management • Soft skills and life skills
• Event management • Knowledge of the world
• Computers, technology • Better knowledge of school subjects
• Physical development

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Areas of the desired skills and knowledge
Soft skills and life skills Languages

• Communication skills: • To learn different foreign languages

o Teamwork • To learn or to improve English
o Storytelling • To visit speaking clubs
o Debate skills • To improve Ukrainian
o Networking and making friends
o Public speaking and charisma Project management
o Effective communication
o Conflict resolution • The project cycle from idea to
• Time management implementation
• Goal setting • Managing project budget
• Planning the future • Managing risks
• How to be more focused and • Team management in a remote format
work more effectively
• Creating a personal brand Events management
• Creative thinking
• Financial literacy • Facilitation courses (for coaches)
• Media literacy • How to hold an interesting event
• First aid • How to organize an event

Better knowledge of school subjects

Arts Computers and technology

• Journalism and literature • Computer literacy

• Handmade crafts • Professional graphic editors
• Drawing • Simulation, animation
• Playing musical instruments • Working in photo and video editors
(guitar, piano, drums) • Photoshop
• Contemporary art (bas-relief, string art, • Sony Vega
etc.) • Creating videos
• Theater and cinema • Basics of photography (to promote
• Gardening and landscape design personal brand online and business
• Dancing (modern dance) projects)
• Creative writing • Design and create products on a 3D
• Ceramics printer
• Programming languages / IT skills

Knowledge of the world Physical development

• History (of theater, cinema, city) • Learning from experts about healthy
• Knowing more about different cultures nutrition and lifestyle
• Diversity of religions and their • Exploring new sports
differences • Support for hobbies
• Astrology, spiritual practice

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Self-determination I’d like to understand what is interesting to me, I'm already in
Professional orientation the fourth year of the institute and still haven't found a job to
Employment opportunities which I could dedicate my life, it seems like I'm stuck.
At this stage of my life, I cannot decide on a profession, so I
• How to choose an area of study or a would like to get help from a career guidance specialist who
career pathway would help me guide myself in choosing my future profession.
• How to find a joyful profession that I would like to learn more about a particular profession from
fits you best or is based on your people who have been working in this field for some time,
hobbies something like masterclasses with a specialist.
• How to apply for a job and pass the It would be useful to know more about the profession we have
chosen and our possible employment opportunities. Maybe we
job interview will see other options and choose the one that suits us best.
• How to plan a career I would like to know what I want and where to go next.
• To know more about possible Planning the future: it is difficult to understand what to focus
professions on, what to do, what to work on.
• To know more about modern labor To find oneself and work with pleasure!
market To find a way to make a hobby a profession.
• To define areas of additional training Information about the modern market and actual professions.
for professional development To know about professions and to choose the education field.
• To see examples and success stories What should I learn additionally for my professional growth?
within different career pathways How to apply for a job and to pass an interview to get the
desired job.

Entrepreneurship To have meetings with entrepreneurs to ensure that I have

alternative opportunities to organize my own employment.
• How to choose a business area
I am thinking of starting my own business and would like to
• How to run a business step-by-step communicate with people who have gone this way and can
• How to write a business plan share their experiences.
Starting your own business and finding your niche.
• Funding programs and
Creating your own business using a step-by-step guide.
development opportunities for the
Supporting programs for entrepreneurs.
entrepreneurs
Gaining skills that will help to create your own startup.
• Meetings with successful Entrepreneurial thinking, practical steps to implement
entrepreneurs projects.
• Entrepreneurial skills building Implementation of own business projects and their financing.
To know more about social entrepreneurship.
• Social entrepreneurship
Consultations on youth or female entrepreneurship.
• Youth entrepreneurship
• Female entrepreneurship

Social media marketing (SMM) To know how to develop a business on social networks.
• How to run a successful online To promote my project on social networks.
business To promote of my social networks as a personal brand.
• How to become an SMM manager To get lifehacks on creating quality content.
• How to promote projects online How to fill personal pages on social networks and project pages
• How to create interesting content to promote them.

• How to attract a larger audience to How to promote the projects that will develop the community
to make them more successful.
a project page

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Civic engagement and To force public authorities to achieve results, rather than
improving community life pretending to be active.
• How to get local authorities to act How to force the authorities to build a skate park?
• Opportunities for youth How to help people in difficult life situations.
engagement in community life What are the stages of creating a project, how to identify a
painful and urgent problem, where to find a team and how to
• How to support people in difficult coordinate the project?
life circumstances
To know more about the needs and wishes of people in my
• How to create a project step-by- community and try to help them.
step To learn more about current issues at the city/country/world
• How to define community level and discuss them.
problems The role of youth in the development of the city.
• Where to find a team How to involve the youth of my village in the landscaping of our
• How to coordinate a project village and organizing an active sport lifestyle.

• How to obtain funding I would like to have consultations on the development of

volunteering and making projects in the community—on
• How to engage community sorting, cleaning bodies of water, arranging public spaces,
members in solving community educating the population.
problems

Ecology, environment protection To hear the recommendations of experts and to know how to
• How to sort waste properly involve young people in protecting the environment.
• How to make communities How to get rid of the garbage in the city and our parks.
environmentally friendly and clean I want to live in an environmentally friendly and clean place.
• How to involve other community Improving the ecology of my city.
members in protecting the How can we better deal with batteries?
environment I would like to learn how to sort waste and disseminate this
habit amongst others.

Grant writing, applying for funding I would like to apply for funding to implement my project, but
• Where to find funding opportunities I do not have the skills for it.
• How to apply for funding I would like to be able to write projects and grant proposals for
raising funds on my own because it's good when somebody
• Skills of writing grant proposals helps you, but they can leave, and your skills will stay with you.
• Professional support in writing I would like to receive information about grant opportunities
grant proposals and to have support with writing grant proposals.

Law and human rights Legal support is very important in labor relations.
• Basics of law—to be aware of basic To know more about legislation and my rights.
rights Every conscious (and less conscious) citizen of Ukraine should
• Consumer rights have legal literacy.
• Labor law I had to open an NGO, and I'm not a lawyer—it was difficult
without support.
• Support business projects or social
I think about social entrepreneurship, if I had someone to turn
initiatives to for accounting and legal issues, I would be much happier.
• Working on solving specific Improve knowledge in areas of law that are given little time in
personal issues the education system.

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 Psychology and mental health issues Psychological support of families after the War in Eastern
• Motivation Ukraine.
• Emotional intelligence How to maintain one’s mental health during the pandemic.

• Pandemic issues The help of psychologists is now important because of remote

work.
• Sex education
Understanding between parents and adolescents.
• Socialization and adaptation
Psychological support for motivation!
• Healthy relationships with others Solving the problems of bullying, discrimination, sex education,
• Personal space in relationships and abuse.
• Personal family issues A psychologist to help you to understand yourself.
• Family relations with adolescents Work with a psychologist, solve personal problems that I do not
• Support for families affected by the understand myself.
War in Eastern Ukraine To understand more about my attitude towards other people.
• How to find yourself in this world Psychologists may be useful for those who have problems in
the family.
• How to make the right choice
Fear of missing out (FOMO) and psychological trauma that
• How to find common ground with prevents us from moving on.
people Learn more about this world and find “my own” place.
• How to manage fears, To build healthy relationships with others (e.g. lectures on how
low self-esteem, self-doubt to recognize abuse).
• How to manage problems of
bullying, discrimination, and abuse

Expert consultations

If surveyed youth had an opportunity to get a free consultation in a specific field, more than half of
them would like to have a consultation or a masterclass with an expert in psychology. Consultations
with experts in law cover cross-cutting issues including raising general awareness, solving personal
issues and issues related to employment, entrepreneurship, and managing social initiatives.

Among other desirable expert If you could get free consultations from an expert in a
consultations or masterclasses, the certain field, what kind of experts would you be most interested
in talking to?
following areas were mentioned:

• Accounting – for business

consultations
• Style and fashion – for self-care
• Crafting – for creativity
• Blogging – for motivation
• Video production—“to help to
evaluate ideas and create
something new”
• Journalism – stories about their
profession, to learn about its
advantages or disadvantages
• Finance – to help in managing
budgets and financial literacy.

*in % of the respondents aged 10–35 years old (n=227)

**several answers were possible

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Top three opportunities in a youth center
At the end, the respondents were offered to choose three opportunities that they would most like
to have available at a youth center or youth space:
If you had free access to the opportunities described below, which three would you choose?
Interesting leisure activities: chatting, watching films, playing board games or
99%
videogames, attending sports or art events and workshops, etc.
85% Taking part in solving the problems in my community, joining community initiatives
69% Meeting new people
63% Participating in events that develop skills
52% Getting free consultations from experts
43% Attending events that build certain areas of knowledge
34% Having access to modern devices: laptops, 3D printers, drones, telescopes, etc.
30% Having a place to work (coworking) or space for organizing events
Having free access to information: opportunities for
24%
youth (grants, scholarships, etc.), books, the internet.

*in % of the respondents aged 10–35 years old (n=227)

** three answers were possible

Within the subgroup of vulnerable and underrepresented youth, opportunities to visit skill-building
activities and expert consultations were more valuable than the opportunity to meet new people,
and skill-building had the same value as the opportunity for interesting leisure activities.

49% Interesting leisure activities: chatting, watching films, playing board games or
videogames, attending sports or art events and workshops, etc.
49% Participating in events that develop skills
37% Taking part in solving problems in my community, joining community initiatives
37% Getting free consultations from experts
34% Meeting new people
31% Attending events that build certain areas of knowledge
17% Having access to modern devices: laptops, 3D printers, drones, telescopes, etc.
17% Having a place to work (coworking) or space for organizing events
6% Having free access to information: opportunities for
youth (grants, scholarships, etc.), books, the internet.

*in % of the respondents that represent vulnerable and/or underrepresented groups (n=35)
** three answers were possible

Barriers to and motivation for attending a youth center

Respondents were asked about the most likely factor that would prevent them from visiting a
youth center or youth space. Within the subgroup of vulnerable or underrepresented youth, the
presence of sufficient amenities for people with disabilities was more valuable (for example,
someone mentioned that they could not visit if there was no sign language interpreter).
Relationships with staff, as well as relevant and quality events and services were even more
important. Uncomfortable relationships (both with staff and visitors) would be a barrier for 21% of
youth within the whole group of respondents and 26% within vulnerable or underrepresented
respondents.

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What would most likely prevent you from visiting such a facility?

Within the total group of respondents Within vulnerable/underrepresented group

14% If work hours are inconvenient 17% Uncomfortable relationships with staff
14% Not enough relevant events or services 17% Not enough relevant events or services
13% If it is too far from me or hard to get to 14% Dissatisfaction with the quality of
events/services
12% Uncomfortable relationships with staff 9% If it is too far from me or hard to get to
9% Uncomfortable relationships with other 9% Uncomfortable relationships with other
visitors visitors
9% Inconvenient events schedule 9% If it is only open on weekdays
8% Dissatisfaction with the quality of 9% If it does not have sufficient amenities for
events/services people with disabilities
6% If no one would come with me, and my 6% If work hours are inconvenient
friends were not there
5% If it is only open on weekdays 6% Inconvenient event schedule
4% If it does not have sufficient amenities for 3% If the design of the premises is outdated
people with disabilities
3% If the design of the premises is outdated 3% If my parents/guardians were against it
2% If my parents/guardians were against it
1% Other (COVID, difficult to answer) *in % of the respondents that represent vulnerable and/or
underrepresented groups (n=35)
** only one answer
*in % of the respondents aged 10–35 years old (n=227)
** only one answer

Which 3 components are the most important in a youth center you would like to return to?

70%
The atmosphere of calm, safety, respect, and benevolence
54%

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Interesting programs and events
69%

40%
Friendly staff who treat visitors with respect
40%

35%
Availability and access to new technologies and innovations
31%

27%
Cool, modern design of the premises
26%

18%
The facility is equipped for people with different abilities
29%

13%
Professional coaches/trainers
17%

7%
Psychosocial support
23%

5%
Availability of food and drinks
9%

Total group (n=227) Subgroup of vulnerable/underrepresented youth (n=35)

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A modern youth center from the perspective of people over 35
The answers of people over 35 years old (n=18) were reviewed and analyzed separately. For most
issues, their vision matches the vision of those under 35, but some specific needs were more
important for this age cohort.

Improving community life was the main value of a youth center for both the 10–35 age group and
for those who are over 35 years old. However, for the older age cohort, learning something new was
of the same importance as improving community life. Additionally, older age groups saw youth
centers as an opportunity to share their knowledge and experience.

When describing their perfect youth space, over-35s focused more on communication and self-
development opportunities, calling youth centers “places for self-improvement” or a place for
realizing one’s own potential for the public good. Additionally, for this age cohort it is also important
to feel their own value: “feeling that your expertise is unique and in-demand”.

Talking about the needs for new or increased knowledge and consultations, the group of the
respondents over 35 years old was more focused on employment, entrepreneurship, and funding:

• To be supported in writing grant applications.

• To be consulted in running and promoting their business.
• To grow professionally with career consultations and skills-building opportunities.

In particular, they mentioned developing communication skills, public speaking, planning, financial
literacy, computer literacy, Photoshop, 3D printer, and foreign languages skills.

Additionally, this age cohort was also open to creative development (playing musical instruments
or drawing) and civic engagement through developing personal projects.

Inconvenient work hours and the lack of relevant services were the main reasons not to visit a youth
space for both under and over 35s. But the age group over 35 cares less about the location of the
center than the younger group. For the older group, relationships with the staff and other visitors
(17%) and the quality of services (17% of the respondents over 35 years old) were much more
important.

Like the other age groups, the most important factor that motivates people over 35 to return to a
youth space was the atmosphere of calmness, safety, and respect (important for 72% of
respondents within the subgroup). Similarly, interesting programs and events were important for
67% of them. But the difference is that half of the respondents (50%) valued access to
new technologies and innovations, compared to 35% within the total group.

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CONCLUSIONS AND RECOMMENDATIONS

Youth center attendance

The research findings outline different challenges for increasing youth center attendance. On the
one hand, there is low awareness about youth centers in communities—25% of youth do not know
if there is a youth center in their community. On the other hand, the attendance level is also very
low— more than half (60%) of those respondents who were aware of youth centers in their
community never visited it.

The data indicates a clear need for local authorities to create tailored communications campaigns
to inform youth about youth centers in their communities as well as the opportunities that those
centers offer. For example, for those who have never attended a youth center but were aware of
such a place in their community, the main reason not to attend was the lack of information about
such places (44%). Given the finding that within the subgroup of vulnerable and underrepresented
youth, the share of those who were aware of a youth center but have never visited it was twice as
large as in the overall sample (34% compared to 17%), such communications campaigns must
intentionally address the needs of diverse youth. In addition, respondents wanted to know which
events were held and when, how could they participate, and accessibility information. The latter is
especially important for vulnerable groups of youth (half of them said that they know about this
place but do not visit it due to lack of information about it), also 17% of vulnerable youth named
inconvenient location and 8% lack of amenities for people with disabilities as key hinderances to
attending youth centers.

The communications campaigns should also incorporate young people’s motivations for
attending, which are communication with peers (20%) and personal development (20%), as well as
the desired youth center branding—“Molodizhnyi prostir” (Youth Space) (59%).

The other recommendation for government actors is to tap the huge potential for youth to be
directly involved in the development of the youth center network. For example, survey respondents
were willing to participate in managing youth centers by making common decisions with the
facility’s staff, discussing ideas, and jointly putting them into practice. The spirit of volunteering
remains high among youth, which represents vast opportunities for authorities and the UNITY
program.
Concept of a modern youth center
The research findings outlined a number of modern youth center features that youth wanted to
see. A modern (online and in-person activities), inclusive (equal opportunities) physical space with
staff on “the same wavelength as youth” were named as the most desired features. Respondents
wanted youth center premises to include space for events, classrooms, library, sports grounds, and
art. Peer support and opportunities to build relationships with parents were also named as
important features of a modern youth center
Authorities can use these research findings to develop a set of standardized features that youth
center networks should have. These standards should incorporate hard (design of physical spaces)
and soft (skills building) features of a modern youth center. For example, the respondents named
several priority areas of development that a modern youth center should support, specifically:

• Entrepreneurship/professional orientation
• Soft skills and life skills

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• Social media marketing
• Project management
• Events management
• Computers and technology
• Languages (English, Ukrainian, speaking clubs)
• Arts (handmade crafts workshops, dancing, drawing, music, literature, design, etc.)
• Physical development (healthy nutrition and healthy lifestyle)
• Knowledge of the world (different cultures, religions, history of cities and arts)
• Civic engagement and improving community life
• Ecology and environment protection
• Psychology and mental health
• Grant writing and applying for funding
• Law and rights

Finally, the respondents mentioned the opportunity to receive free consultations to be an

important component of a modern youth center. Young people expressed the desire to receive
expert consultations in several fields, particularly psychological support (56%), business (35%), law
(25%), professional orientation (24%), and social initiatives (22%). Interestingly, when youth were
asked about key features in a youth space they would like to visit again, vulnerable and
underrepresented youth mentioned “psychosocial support” three times more than the general
sample (23% vs 7%). Policy actors should consider providing consultations in these areas, tailored to
the needs of diverse youth, as an integral part of youth center standards.

* The research was implemented under the UNITY (Mriemo ta diemo) program. The program is
funded by the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) and implemented by
IREX in partnership with Building Ukraine Together (BUR), Center for Corporate Social
Responsibility (CSR Ukraine), Making Cents International (MCI), International Republican Institute
(IRI), and Zinc Network.
**This report is made possible by the generous support of the American people through the United
States Agency for International Development (USAID). The contents are the responsibility of IREX
and do not necessarily reflect the views of USAID or the United States Government.
25