Ukraine PA

Preliminary research Team Ukraine

Understanding Peace & Conflict Resolution
Healthy Lifestyle & Well-being
Cultural Exchange & Diversity
Local Youth Engagement & Community Work
Erasmus+ & European Youth Work
Digital Tools & Storytelling

🇺🇦 Introduction: Ukraine at PEHELI 4 ALL

As the Ukrainian team, we proudly bring to PEHELI 4 ALL the voice of a nation that is living through profound transformation. Amidst war, displacement, and uncertainty, the Ukrainian youth continue to stand for peace, health, and resilience. Our experiences are shaped not only by challenges but also by our collective strength, creativity, and the hope for a brighter, peaceful future.

Our research explores how peace and well-being take root even in difficult times. It showcases how Ukrainian communities resolve conflicts through mediation, preserve cultural traditions through food, dance, and art, and promote youth engagement through volunteering and education. From heartfelt folk stories to digital campaigns and the use of European youth platforms like Erasmus+, we highlight how Ukrainian youth are actively contributing to peacebuilding, cultural dialogue, and healthy living—both locally and across borders.

This contribution reflects our determination: to heal, to grow, and to connect with others in building a more peaceful and united Europe.

Topic 1 - Understanding Peace & Conflict Resolution

The concept of peace and how it relates to personal well-being.

Today, when Ukraine is still fighting for freedom and peace, the word "peace" means more than just no war. For many Ukrainians, peace is about safety, stability, and a feeling of comfort in life. It also plays a big role in people's emotional and mental health.

1. Peace and the Need to Feel Safe

According to a study by S. Mashchak and Kh. Kuchvara (2023), war creates a lot of negative emotions like fear, anxiety, and sadness. These emotions make it hard for people to feel happy or satisfied with life. But the research also shows that when people have strong values, personal goals, and motivation, they can still feel better and stay strong mentally—even during war.

2. Well-being of Ukrainians in 2024–2025

Another study by Oleksandra Kovtunenko (2024) shows that Ukrainians are most affected by losing personal connections and social support. People are also afraid of losing meaning in life or even dying. But still, many Ukrainians feel strong because they take part in volunteer work, help others, and stay close with their communities. These actions help them feel better emotionally.

3. How People Feel During the Transition from War to Peace

Psychologist Maryna Dvornyk writes (2022) that personal well-being includes many things: good relationships, clear goals, feeling useful, and staying positive. She says that peace in the world starts with peace inside each person. So, if people feel calm, confident, and connected to others, it helps to build peace in society too.

Peace starts inside each of us—and grows when we work together.

Conflict resolution techniques used in communities and youth settings.

In modern Ukraine, peaceful conflict resolution is becoming very important. This is especially true in local communities and among youth. The war and social changes make it necessary to use official and effective ways to solve conflicts peacefully. One of the key tools for this is mediation.

1. Mediation as a Main Conflict Resolution Tool

Mediation is a peaceful process of solving conflicts with the help of a neutral person (mediator). This person helps both sides understand each other and find a solution without going to court.

In 2022, the National Agency of Ukraine for Civil Service approved official guidelines for working with conflicts in local government. These guidelines explain how to identify conflicts, how to work with them, and how to avoid making them worse.

The recommendations also describe when to use mediation, negotiation, or shuttle diplomacy. These are different ways to help people or groups solve disagreements.

2. Mediation in Communities

In Ukrainian communities, mediation helps solve conflicts between citizens, between people and local government, or within community groups. This method is used to:

Stop conflicts from growing bigger;
Help people communicate better;
Find fair decisions for everyone involved.

Mediation also creates a safe environment for dialogue and problem-solving, which is very important in areas affected by war or displacement.

3. Training New Mediators

To make mediation work well, Ukraine needs trained professionals. These mediators study communication, psychology, and legal basics. They learn how to stay neutral and help people talk calmly and respectfully.

Ukraine offers trainings and certification programs for mediators.
These specialists are already working in schools, local governments, and community centers.

Peaceful conflict resolution—especially through official and legal tools like mediation—is very important for Ukraine in 2025. It helps reduce stress in society, builds understanding between people, and creates trust between citizens and government.

Examples of peacebuilding initiatives in Ukraine

Ukraine is actively implementing several important peacebuilding initiatives aimed at restoring peace and supporting stability in communities affected by war.

Solidarity School (Cherkasy Region) - This initiative focuses on training local leaders and youth in peaceful practices and integrating internally displaced persons (IDPs) into communities. The program promotes social unity and peacebuilding in post-conflict situations.

WPHF Projects for Women's Rights Protection - The Women's Peace and Humanitarian Fund (WPHF) supports projects that protect the rights of women and girls during the war. These initiatives focus on ensuring their safety, legal protection, and participation in peacebuilding efforts in Ukraine.

"Peace in Frontline Communities" Initiative - This project focuses on peacebuilding in communities affected by the war through social activities and mediation. It helps citizens resolve conflicts peacefully and promotes their social reintegration.

These initiatives are essential for restoring stability in Ukraine and building a peaceful future for all its citizens.

Topic 2 - Healthy Lifestyle & Well-being in Ukraine: National Perspective and International

Context

Healthy Lifestyle & Well-being in Ukraine: National Perspective and International Context

Maintaining a healthy lifestyle is becoming an increasingly important issue worldwide. In Ukraine, as in many other countries, the concept of well-being is gaining attention not only in the context of physical health, but also in relation to mental balance, spiritual practices, and conscious nutrition. This topic is especially relevant given the current challenges Ukrainians face, including war, stress, and changes in access to healthcare and food systems. Despite these obstacles, many Ukrainians actively pursue healthier lifestyles, often blending traditional and modern approaches.

Nutritional Habits in Ukraine and Comparison with Other Cultures

Traditional Ukrainian cuisine is rich, diverse, and based on locally sourced ingredients. Typical meals often include grains (such as buckwheat or barley), seasonal vegetables (like cabbage, beets, and carrots), legumes, dairy products, and meat. A classic Ukrainian meal may feature borsch (beetroot soup), varenyky (dumplings), holubtsi (stuffed cabbage rolls), or salo (salted pork fat). Fermented foods such as sauerkraut and pickled cucumbers are common and contribute to gut health. While these meals can be nutritious, traditional cooking also tends to be heavy in fats and carbohydrates, often using frying as the main method of preparation. However, there has been a noticeable shift in recent years, especially among younger generations and urban populations, towards lighter, more balanced diets. Many people are reducing meat consumption, increasing their intake of fresh vegetables, and adopting Mediterranean-style meals with olive oil, fish, and more fiber. In comparison to Western Europe, Ukrainian meals tend to be more home-cooked and less processed, though Ukraine is slowly catching up with global fast-food trends. Unlike in countries like the USA, where ready-made meals and sugary snacks are widespread, Ukrainians still rely more on seasonal, homemade dishes. However, with globalization and economic challenges, ultra-processed food consumption is growing. In contrast, countries like Japan or South Korea emphasize seafood, rice, and fermented vegetables like kimchi or miso, with lower fat content and a stronger focus on portion control. Meanwhile, Scandinavian countries promote clean eating and seasonal produce, often with a "back to nature" philosophy. Compared to them, Ukraine is still in transition from traditional high-calorie meals to modern health-conscious diets.

The Interconnection Between Physical, Mental, and Spiritual Health

In Ukraine, physical health is often associated with regular outdoor activity. Many people, especially in rural areas, maintain active lifestyles through gardening, farming, and walking. Fitness culture is growing, with more gyms and wellness centers appearing in big cities like Kyiv, Lviv, and Dnipro. Mental and emotional health, however, remains a developing topic. Until recently, there was limited awareness and a social stigma around therapy or psychological help. Due to the war and displacement, this has changed significantly: thousands of people now receive psychological support through NGOs or state programs. Schools and universities are also beginning to include emotional well-being in their curriculums. Spirituality plays a quiet but important role in daily life. While Ukraine is traditionally Christian, many people also engage in informal spiritual practices—meditation, nature retreats, or simply finding inner peace through silence and reflection. During times of crisis, spiritual resilience and a sense of community have helped many people maintain hope.

Traditional Sports, Yoga, and Relaxation Techniques

Historically, physical activity in Ukraine was tied to folk traditions—dances like hopak, wrestling, or seasonal festivals involving group games. Modern Ukraine has a strong sports culture, especially in fields like gymnastics, football (soccer), boxing, and athletics. Schoolchildren are still taught physical education as a regular subject, though sports facilities in many regions need modernization. Yoga and mindfulness practices have grown rapidly since the 2010s, especially in urban centers. Yoga studios are now common, and Ukrainians often integrate yoga with breathing exercises, stretching, or meditation to manage stress and improve flexibility. Some yoga groups even operate outdoors or in shelters during air raids, showing how deeply these techniques have become part of everyday resilience. In terms of relaxation, Ukrainians traditionally value time with family, time in nature (especially at the dacha or in the forest), and moments of quiet. Herbal teas, such as mint or chamomile, and natural remedies are still widely used, especially by older generations.

Conclusion

The concept of a healthy lifestyle in Ukraine is a blend of tradition and adaptation. While the country faces significant challenges, Ukrainians are increasingly aware of the importance of balanced nutrition, regular physical activity, emotional health, and spiritual strength. The shift toward healthier habits is visible in both individual choices and community initiatives. As Ukraine opens up to global influences, it also preserves unique cultural practices that contribute to a holistic sense of well-being. This mix of resilience, tradition, and openness makes Ukraine a meaningful contributor to international conversations about health and well-being.

Topic 3 - Cultural Exchange & Diversity

In our increasingly interconnected world, cultural exchange and diversity are essential to fostering mutual understanding and cooperation among peoples. As globalization brings people from different backgrounds closer together, sharing traditions, beliefs and practices becomes vital to building bridges between cultures. Such exchanges not only enrich societies, but also promote peace, tolerance, and a deeper understanding of the many ways in which communities express their identities.

Intercultural Dialogue and Health Perspectives

Intercultural dialogue is open and respectful communication between people from different cultures. It helps us to understand how values, traditions and worldviews affect people's lives, including their attitudes toward health and well-being. In many cultures, health is not only about treating physical symptoms, but also about emotional, spiritual and social balance.
In Ukraine, the older generation may prefer herbal or traditional approaches when they feel unwell. Many people also rely on family support and emotional connection during illness. These cultural aspects shape Ukrainians' attitudes toward health, and recognizing them can help with international teamwork, especially in the medical or volunteer fields.

Traditions, food and music of the country

Ukraine is a country with a rich and diverse cultural heritage, deeply rooted in centuries of history. It is known for its vibrant traditions, its lively and soulful music that tells the stories of its people, and its delicious, hearty cuisine that brings families and communities together. The combination of ancient customs and modern influences makes Ukraine a unique and exciting place where culture permeates every aspect of daily life.

Traditions:

Vyshyvanka is a national symbol that embodies the soul of the Ukrainian people. Each region of Ukraine has its own unique patterns, colors and embroidery techniques that reflect local traditions, beliefs, cultural characteristics and even historical events. These ornaments encode generations of wisdom, love for the motherland and the desire to preserve national identity.
Major holidays such as Christmas are celebrated in Ukraine in accordance with ancient traditions and customs. At this time, people gather with their families, sing carols, bring good news to every home, and prepare festive dishes, including kutya. Easter is an equally important holiday, during which Ukrainians bake fragrant Easter cakes, dye and paint Easter eggs, and children are happy to help decorate the Easter basket. Such customs not only create an atmosphere of family warmth, but also pass on spiritual values and love for their native culture from generation to generation.

Food:

Borsch is a traditional Ukrainian beetroot soup that is considered a true culinary symbol of Ukraine. It is made from beets, cabbage, potatoes, carrots, onions, garlic and meat, and the recipe may vary from region to region. This flavorful and tasty dish is often served hot, with sour cream, along with fluffy homemade bread. Borsch not only fulfills hunger, but also brings families together at a common table, preserving the long-standing traditions of Ukrainian hospitality.
Varenyky are one of the most beloved Ukrainian dishes, prepared for family gatherings, holidays and special events. The filling can be very different: salty - with potatoes, cabbage or mushrooms, or sweet - with cherries, cottage cheese or berries. The dish is usually served with sour cream or butter, and sometimes with fried onions, which adds a special flavor. Varenyky are not just food, but a part of the Ukrainian soul that unites the family.
Holubtsi is another favorite traditional Ukrainian dish made from cabbage leaves wrapped around a filling of rice and meat. They are stewed in a sauce, usually tomato, giving the dish a special flavor and fragrance. Holubtsi are often cooked for holidays, family dinners or large gatherings, as this dish symbolizes caring, hospitality and home warmth.

Music:

Ukrainian music is a unique combination of ancient folk traditions and modern musical styles that creates a special atmosphere and sound. Folk songs often use traditional instruments such as bandura, trembita, cymbals or sopilka, each with its own unique sound and deep symbolic meaning. Today, Ukrainian musicians are actively weaving these instruments into modern music-pop, rock, and electronica-preserving national identity and making Ukrainian music recognizable around the world.
The song "Shchedryk," known around the world as "Carol of the Bells," has deep roots in Ukrainian traditions. It is based on an ancient New Year's song that was performed on Christmas Eve in Ukraine, when young people went from house to house singing carols. It was arranged by the prominent Ukrainian composer Mykola Leontovych. Thanks to his skillful approach, "Shchedryk" gained international popularity, becoming one of the symbols of Ukrainian musical heritage.

Folk stories, dances, or artistic expressions that promote peace

Folks stories and fairy tales

Moral lessons through fairy tales: Ukrainian folk tales often depict heroes who resolve conflicts through wisdom, compassion, and cooperation rather than violence. These stories teach the importance of peaceful coexistence and mutual support.
Fairy tales as therapy for children: Storytelling has become an important therapeutic tool in Ukraine, especially for children affected by the ongoing war. Programs like those by UNICEF use fairy tales to help children process trauma, find solace, and envision a peaceful future.
Fairy tales for socialization and support: In refugee camps, fairy tales are used to improve children's mental health and promote socialization. These stories help children reconnect with their cultural heritage and develop resilience in the face of adversity.

Dances

Dance is a significant part of Ukrainian culture, with traditional dances such as the hopak, kozachok, and hutsulka symbolizing unity and collective strength. These dances are performed in groups, fostering a sense of community and peaceful interaction.
The hopak, a traditional dance known for its energetic and acrobatic moves, represents the spirit of resilience and joy, uniting people through movement and shared expression.
Dance festivals in Ukraine often focus on themes of unity, peace, and solidarity. These events bring together people from different backgrounds to celebrate their common humanity through rhythm and movement.

Artistic expressions

Art in Ukraine has long been a means of expressing national identity and resilience, especially in times of conflict. Artists have used their work to protest violence, express a desire for peace, and emphasize the human capacity to rebuild after destruction.
Murals and sculptures created from the rubble of war are a great example of this artistic trend. These works of art transform symbols of violence and destruction into messages of hope and resilience, encouraging peace and reconstruction efforts.
In recent years, art projects have focused on promoting peace and reconciliation. By sharing these artistic expressions around the world, Ukrainian artists contribute to the global dialogue on the importance of peace and solidarity.

Topic 4 - Local Youth Engagement & Community Work

1. Interview local youth organizations about their initiatives on peace and well-being.

The Students of Dnipro
arranges youth meetings
holds creative competitions and festivals
discussions between teens on what can be improved
gather youngsters for playing games or watching movies
creating projects for the city

Friends & Family Space offers
children's play activities
wide range of sports for children and adults
educational programs
master classes

2. Research volunteering opportunities related to health and peace building.

Artesans ResQ Ukraine

Assist in life-saving medical transport for critically ill patients and participate in healthcare capacity-building initiatives.

Dnipro Hope Mission

Support efforts to provide emergency relief, medical aid, psychological support to communities affected by war and disease, programs for children.

Angels of Salvation

Evacuation of wounded people, medical assistance, collection of medicines.

Volunteer and Youth Centre by the Red Cross

Engage in training sessions and volunteer activities supporting those in need, while acquiring new skills.

Ukrainian Charitable Platform (UCP)

Participate in programs providing resources for volunteer and religious

organizations, training specialists, mental health awareness, and

fosterina conscious citizenship.

3. Gather best practices from local NGOs or schools on promoting a healthy lifestyle.

regular health educational classes
the month of healthy lifestyle
free sport clubs
active breaks between classes
create school gardens
sport competitions and events
regular lectures with a psychologist
hold outdoor classes
online festivals (make videos and posters about health)
support students with new ideas about providing health

Topic 5 - Erasmus & European Youth Work

Erasmus+ aims to promote social inclusion, green and digital transitions, and youth participation in democratic life. With a budget of €26.2 billion, it supports various activities, including:

Learning Mobility: Enabling individuals to gain experience abroad.
Cooperation Projects: Fostering partnerships between organisations.
Policy Development: Supporting reforms in education and training.

In 2024, 35 calls were opened for Ukrainian organisations to participate in Erasmus+ projects, highlighting the programme's commitment to Ukraine's integration into the European educational space.

Youth Mobility and Education

Erasmus+ facilitates various mobility opportunities:

Youth Exchanges: Short-term group exchanges focusing on non-formal learning.
Volunteering Activities: Opportunities to engage in community service abroad.
Training and Networking: For youth workers to enhance their skills.

Since 2022, approximately 33,000 Ukrainians have participated in Erasmus+ mobility programmes, allowing them to continue their education and collaborate with European peers.

Health and Peace Initiatives

Erasmus+ supports projects that address health and peace:

MYndTheater: Utilises forum theatre to promote mental health among youth, developing skills to navigate digital challenges.
Yoga for Peace: A youth exchange programme focusing on inner peace and non-violent conflict resolution, involving participants from Ukraine and other countries with conflict histories.
CivicArt: Strengthens the capacity of youth organisations in Ukraine and Georgia to deliver innovative civic education activities.

Youthpass Certificate

Youthpass is a tool for participants in Erasmus+ and European Solidarity Corps projects to:

Document Learning Outcomes: Reflecting on skills and competences gained.
Enhance Employability: Providing a recognised certificate of non-formal learning.
Foster Personal Development: Encouraging self-assessment and lifelong learning.

All participants in relevant projects are entitled to receive a Youthpass certificate, which supports their integration into the labour market and further education.

Ukrainian Context

Despite ongoing challenges, Ukrainian youth actively engage in Erasmus+ projects:

Capacity Building: Projects like "Stronger Together" aim to integrate displaced youth and build resilience.
Community Engagement: Initiatives focus on social cohesion and support for internally displaced persons.
Educational Continuity: Erasmus+ allows Ukrainian students to continue their studies and gain international experience.

Conclusion

Erasmus+ serves as a vital platform for empowering youth across Europe, including Ukraine. Through mobility opportunities, health and peace initiatives, and recognition tools like Youthpass, the programme fosters personal growth, social inclusion, and a sense of European identity among young people.

Topic 6 - Digital Tools & Storytelling

In today's world, where most of the information we receive is through phone screens, it's not only what we say that matters, but also how we present it. Digital tools make it possible to create bright, emotional, meaningful campaigns that influence people all over the world. This is especially true for topics related to a healthy lifestyle and peace.

1. Examples of campaigns that promote a healthy lifestyle and peace

• "This Girl Can" (Great Britain)

The campaign is aimed at encouraging women to be physically active. The video uses simple, live footage of real women exercising not for the sake of a perfect body, but for the sake of confidence and joy. It was actively promoted on Instagram, YouTube and TikTok.

• Nature Made "The Start of Something Great" – real stories of people taking small steps towards health. We used micro-influencers who shared their own photos and videos about the benefits of vitamins in everyday life under the tags #StartWithNature.

• "The Healthy Schools"- project is a ukrainian nationwide initiative that has involved over 120,000 schoolchildren, teachers, and parents in sports challenges, dance moves, online training, and creative events, promoting physical activity and a healthy lifestyle.

• The campaign "Your Superpower is to be Healthy" encourages young people to be physically active, eat right, take care of their mental health, prevent diseases through vaccination, promote blood donation, and lead an environmentally conscious lifestyle. It organizes educational initiatives, challenges, and partnerships with public organizations and businesses to cover various aspects of healthy living.

• Nike — "You Can't Stop Us"

A multimedia campaign with a touching video montage that combines sport, unity, struggle and hope. It was distributed across YouTube, Instagram, Twitter, as well as through the brand's mobile applications.

• #HealthyAtHome (WHO)

During the COVID-19 pandemic, the WHO launched an online series of tips on how to stay active at home. These materials included simple exercises, advice on nutrition, mental health and routine. The videos were published on the WHO website, on social networks, and as short Reels.

• #PeaceDay — Peace One Day

Every year, September 21 is celebrated as the International Day of Peace. This campaign uses videos, stories, streams, Spotify playlists, and visual posts on Instagram to call for an end to conflicts and support for peace.

• #Peace4Children — UNICEF

The campaign shows through photos and short videos how war affects children. The main goal is to move people and motivate them to support charitable initiatives. Special emphasis is placed on storytelling — every child has their own story.

2. Digital tools used in such campaigns

• Canva

An online service for creating posters, infographics, slides, stories for Instagram and TikTok. Suitable for those who do not have design skills, but want to create visually appealing content.

• PowerPoint / Google Slides

Classic tools for creating presentations. They are used in projects for schools, organizations, social initiatives. They allow you to add photos, videos, music, animations, and text blocks.

• CapCut, InShot, iMovie

Free video editors for creating short videos. They make it easy to edit videos for TikTok or Instagram, add music, subtitles, transitions. Often used for promotional videos in social campaigns.

• Instagram, TikTok, YouTube

These platforms serve as channels for distributing content. Most campaigns create videos and graphics specifically taking into account the formats of these social networks: vertical videos up to 60 seconds, interactive stories, live broadcasts.

• Adobe Express / Photoshop (for advanced users)

These tools are used by professional designers to create deeper visual materials. They can be used for banners, posters, series of images in high quality.

3. How is the campaign documented?

In addition to creating visual content, it is important to document the process — that is, show how everything is created:

• photos from the preparation stages (for example, screenshots of work in Canva or the process of shooting a video),

• short videos from behind the scenes (backstage),

• posts on social networks with campaign hashtags,

• recordings of presentations or live broadcasts,

• interactive reactions of the audience (comments, polls, reposts).

This allows you to not only present the result, but also make the campaign itself closer to people — one that inspires trust.

Conclusion:

Digital tools are a powerful way of influence. They allow you to tell important stories in a simple and emotional form. Campaigns for a healthy lifestyle and peace are not just videos or pictures. These are real messages that inspire, change consciousness and call for action.