48%

Almost half of Ukrainian schoolchildren are not optimistic about Ukraine’s future

Russia has attempted to destroy Ukraine’s future long before the full-scale invasion on February 24, 2022. Since the COVID pandemic, followed by Russia’s invasion, Ukrainian students have been isolated, lacking opportunities to interact or learn in-person. One in seven schools has been destroyed, and millions of children have experienced violence, loss of family members, displacement, and a disrupted education. It is no surprise that only 53% of schoolchildren want to stay in Ukraine after finishing school and only 52% are optimistic about Ukraine’s future.

To address Russia’s devastation, Spirit of America is empowering Ukrainian students through the UActive program. Hear the resilient stories of Olesia, Yevhenii, Marharyta, and Victor to learn more about how they are rebuilding their cherished homeland, starting with their local communities.

Meet Victor

“Although the war stole my childhood, nothing can steal my dreams.”

How Spirit of America helps Ukrainian students rebuild their communities

Russia’s unprovoked war against Ukraine is an attempt to destroy its future. More than ever, Ukraine needs its younger generation to become active leaders in rebuilding and strengthening their communities. To address the devastating impact of Russia’s war on Ukrainian students, their schools, and their communities, Spirit of America developed and funded the UActive program, in partnership with the Ukrainian nonprofit savED.

• Through the UActive program, high school students in formerly occupied territories are taught leadership, entrepreneurship, civics, planning, and project management skills.

• Students develop projects that will improve their schools and neighborhoods. At the end of an eight-week instruction and planning period, teams pitch their ideas and the winners are awarded micro-grants to fund the projects they came up with.

• • As a result, integral community spaces such as youth hubs, theaters, sports fields, and cultural venues are being restored.

These efforts demonstrate how the younger generation can be a driver of a free, democratic, and vibrant Ukraine — preparing the next generation of leaders.

The UActive program is currently in 20 schools and towns across Ukraine in the Kyiv, Chernihiv, and Mykolaiv regions. Over 700 teenage participants have completed the UActive program. This year, the program will expand to two new regions — Dnipropetrovsk and Kharkiv. By January 2026, UActive will have 1,100 graduates.

Making an impact

See the student-led UActive projects already revitalizing Ukrainian communities:

100% of your donation will go directly to the expenses of implementing the UActive program and providing the assistance. Donations in excess of UActive’s need will be offered a refund. We are proud to be rated 4 stars by Charity Navigator.