The organization has already visited 16 communities that have youth centers participating in the program.
On Friday, September 15, a meeting was held between the head of the youth and sports department of the Lviv regional military administration, Roman Khimyak, and acting Director of the Lviv Regional Youth Center, Ivan Sapsa, with representatives of the Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees. During the meeting, agreements were established and partnership opportunities were discussed, in particular cooperation with UNHCR in the project “Development of the network of youth centers and spaces in Lviv region” this year and next year.
“Our region is now a platform for the development of youth policy. After all, on its territory there is an opportunity for the activity of youth centers in different communities, with different categories of young people. Also, we have a great opportunity to establish direct communication with international partners. Such cooperation is an important part of the development of the youth sector of the region,” said the head of the youth and sports department of the Lviv OVA Roman Khimyak.
Matthew Oyuko, the organization’s head of operations, emphasized the value of the collaboration for both parties:
“It is very important to us that you contacted us. Establishing this cooperation is a significant step, since the youth centers in the project will be support centers for various categories of young people in the region, including those from vulnerable categories. The main characteristics of these youth centers and spaces should be inclusiveness and integration. That’s why we support the work you do every day.”
The organization has already visited 16 communities that have youth centers participating in the program. So, according to the agreements, 9 newly created centers will be able to provide new and modern repairs by the end of the year, as well as equip them with the necessary communications. The total amount that UNHCR will provide this year for construction work in youth centers will be in the range of 100-120 thousand dollars, i.e. 10-15 thousand for each. In addition, the organization expressed interest in further support — next year it will finance repairs in other centers of the Lviv region.
“The long period of negotiations, study of issues, agreement of details has finally ended and now we can say with confidence that another partner is joining the project of our regional youth center “Development of the Network of Youth Centers in Lviv Region”. I am incredibly happy about it. UNHCR will finance repair works in 9 youth centers of the region. Your contribution will be on par with the United Nations Children’s Fund and the Council of Europe, and it will be invaluable. These sums we are talking about will make the centers modern, interesting, comfortable and, most importantly, inclusive. Different young people will be able to gather, develop, spend time and integrate into society here. Thank you for your support and partnership and for your trust in us,” addressed the partners during the meeting. Director of the Lviv Regional Youth Center, Ivan Sapsa.