The Mykolaiv delegation recently embarked on a trip to the Kingdom of Denmark as part of the «Democratic Integration of Youth» project. The purpose of the visit was to exchange knowledge and strategies in the field of youth policy. The group, consisting of 11 representatives of the city council and the city’s youth, visited three communes – Aalborg, Odense, and Billund.
In Aalborg, the delegation had the opportunity to meet with the mayor, Thomas Kastrup-Larens, and engage in discussions with representatives of Danish youth organizations. They also delved into the challenges faced by Ukrainian youth during times of conflict. Diana Kisiliak, a member of the Public Organization «Progressive Mykolaiv», expressed her enthusiasm for implementing new ideas inspired by the Danish approach to youth engagement.
The visit to Odense was equally enlightening, with the delegation meeting the mayor, Peter Rahbek Yuel, and exploring the activities of the city municipality. They also visited the Red Cross House and the Ungdomshuset youth home, where they interacted with the deputy mayor of the Department for Children and Youth Affairs, Suzanne Crowley. Karina Pyshenko, a representative of the active youth of Mykolaiv, praised the youth space at Ungdomshuset for its focus on both recreation and hobby development.
The final leg of the trip took the delegation to Billund, where they visited the Coc Mindful organization founded by the municipality and the Lego Foundation. Discussions centered around the convention on the rights of the child and brainstorming activities that could be organized for children in Mykolaiv. The visit to Denmark not only provided valuable insights into youth policy and engagement but also fostered ideas for enhancing youth initiatives back home.
Overall, the Mykolaiv delegation’s visit to Denmark was a fruitful exchange of ideas and practices in the realm of youth integration and participation. The experiences gained from interacting with Danish counterparts and exploring various youth-focused initiatives will undoubtedly shape the future endeavors of the youth in Mykolaiv. The trip served as a platform for learning, inspiration, and collaboration, highlighting the importance of democratic values and youth empowerment in shaping vibrant and inclusive communities.