Italian Guests Visit Youth Banks in Ukraine
Italian guests Martina Toppi, a journalist from La Provincia di Como, and Riccardo Rigliano, a student at the University of Turin, visited Ukraine’s Youth Initiative Banks.
Martina is researching how Ukrainian youth cope with the challenges of war to share their stories in her book for young people in Italy.
During the meeting, the discussions focused on education, civic engagement, and life in Ukrainian cities. The guests were particularly interested in hearing how young people, despite experiencing sleepless nights and the anxieties of war (which the visitors themselves felt while staying in Kyiv), find the strength to wake up, study, work, and implement social projects.
- “Many people abroad perceive the war as something distant and abstract. For modern youth, civic engagement during wartime may seem unusual, but through our work, we demonstrate that even in small towns, development is possible, positive change can happen, and many good things can be done.” — Anastasiia, participant of the Youth Initiative Bank “Bo Molodi” (bo.molodi NGO)
- “This meeting is further proof that we are moving in the right direction, no matter how difficult the times are. Right now, it is crucial to show foreigners that we do not give up. Our cities continue to develop thanks to conscious, active youth.”— Yevheniia, Youth Initiative Bank “Bo Molodi”
- “It was very interesting to talk with Italian journalists, showcase the initiatives that matter to us, and immerse them more in Ukrainian culture.”— Tymofii, Youth Initiative Bank “BRUS” (Boiska community)
- “The war in Ukraine affects the daily lives of young people. From the outside, it may seem like they are scared and unable to move forward. However, the Youth Initiative Bank of Boiska is the complete opposite. It consists of young people who refuse to give up and strive to find time and space to help their community, study, share their city’s history, and create safe places where people can feel secure and not be alone.” — Martina Toppi, journalist, La Provincia di Como
- “Visiting Boiska, I was repeatedly impressed by the character, joy, and spark in the eyes of young tour guides. I expected to see a city consumed by war-related grief, but instead, I met an energetic group of young people (and their coordinators) proudly sharing their cultural heritage. I was amazed by how all their initiatives are directed toward the community as a whole.” — Riccardo Rigliano
Ukrainian youth continue to live, study, and transform their communities despite all challenges. Their daily actions are not just about adaptation but also about strength—the force that shapes the future.
We sincerely thank Martina and Riccardo for their interest in our story and for sharing the voices of Ukrainian youth with the international community.
