“Conversations about Restoration” with Natalia Yarova, Head of the Youth Policy Department of the Department of Youth and Sports of the Kherson City Council, on how youth influence the development of communities

Youth policy is essential to society's development, especially in the face of modern challenges. In Kherson, young people face various difficulties but have opportunities for growth and active participation in community life. Understanding how youth initiatives can influence the changes taking place in the city is essential.

We are discussing this today in the new “Conversations about Restoration” issue with Natalia Yarova, Head of the Youth Policy Department of the Department of Youth and Sports of the Kherson City Council. Natalia Yarova initiated the creation of the Youth Council in Kherson, so together, we will consider the current issues of youth policy in Kherson and how youth can influence the development of the community.

Even though a large number of spaces for youth are currently being created in Kherson and the surrounding deoccupied communities, financing youth programs in Kherson, according to Natalia Yarova, became a serious challenge after the war began. Since 2022, the program has received practically no funds, which significantly complicated the organization of events. However, with the restoration of funding, even in small amounts, there was hope for restoring youth activities.

“You can’t not work with youth. Yes, the online format is good, but it still doesn’t have the same impact as face-to-face communication. Therefore, the issue of financing youth programs is extremely relevant. There is also the issue of security - on the one hand, the war and shelling drove us into the basements, but at the same time, various hubs and spaces began to be created and developed. And a network was created that didn’t exist before. But there are always risks - someone is afraid to move around the city because of shelling, someone lost their connection and cannot be warned about the event's cancellation, etc., and we also have to adapt to this,” says Natalia Yarova.

Natalia Yarova says that the role of the Department of Youth and Sports of the Kherson City Council and her personal one is to create a connection between youth and the city authorities, integrate youth into processes in communities, and become a place where youth can find answers and help in any issues. After all, the war has brought numerous challenges to the youth. Social ties are breaking, and development opportunities are limited. Youth often feel isolated and lack support.

The Kherson City Youth Council, as an advisory and consultative body under the city council, resumed its activities in Kherson at the end of 2024 after an almost three-year suspension. It plays a key role in representing the interests of the youth. It communicates between youth and the authorities, increasing involvement in decision-making processes. Before the full-scale invasion, the Youth Council was active - participating in deputy commissions, creating requests, etc. With the beginning of the war, its work practically stopped because the Council was re-elected every two years, and during the war, its term expired: “It was impossible to elect a new one for obvious reasons. But the role of the Youth Council is vital. Someone must represent the youth; there must be a connection with the youth. And so we decided to resume the Youth Council's work today, which includes 17 people.”

Today, the Youth Council holds many activities for youth and children with the participation of the police, the State Emergency Service, and entertainment events. Thanks to the Youth Council, scholarships will be re-paid to gifted youth in the Kherson community this year. One of the key steps in developing youth policy is conducting surveys that identify the real needs of youth. The Kherson Youth Council initiated a survey to collect the opinions and wishes of young people regarding their involvement in various activities. This is important because it is the only way to understand what young people want.

“The survey results will become the basis for forming recommendations that the Youth Council will provide to local authorities. This will help not only to identify needs, but also to find effective solutions to meet them!”, - adds Natalia Yarova.

Cooperation with public organizations plays a vital role in youth policy development. In Kherson, the Youth Council actively interacts with newly created and existing organizations: “This cooperation allows us to create more comprehensive programs that meet the needs of young people and contribute to their development. The Youth Council encourages new organizations to join the activities because each new partner can bring fresh ideas and resources.”

According to Natalia Yarova, developing new initiatives to meet young people's needs in modern challenges is essential. This may include creating new platforms for learning, skills development, and cultural and social events. These initiatives will help young people find their place in society and stimulate activism and creativity. The Youth Council can implement these ideas together with civil society organizations and local authorities.

Kherson youth have significant potential to participate in the process of city renewal. Many young people are ready to return and join the renewal, working on projects that can change the face of the community. “Youth can become a driving force in the renewal of Kherson because their energy and new ideas can become the basis for sustainable development of the community. Creating conditions that encourage young people to participate actively in these processes is important. And young people outside the city can share their experience and knowledge,” says Natalia Yarova.

Everyone can participate in the changes taking place in Kherson. Your activity and initiative will strengthen the community's development and help create a better future for everyone. Watch the video about youth, join the discussion, and subscribe to the pages of the Youth Council and the Department of Youth and Sports of the Kherson City Council.