On April 2nd, twelve students around the age of 16, all from the same high school in Kyiv, gathered for an open discussion as part of the YODEC project. The meeting took place in their own school, creating a relaxed and friendly atmosphere — perfect for diving deep into honest, thoughtful conversations about borders, cooperation, and future dreams.
🧭 When asked if living near a border is an advantage or a disadvantage, the group leaned strongly toward the advantages. They mentioned how events and exchange programs abroad become more accessible when there are simple and friendly border-crossing rules. These kinds of experiences are not just fun — they’re educational and often life-changing for teens.
They also pointed out the economic benefits: food and certain goods are often cheaper and more diverse in countries like Poland and Romania. Some students noted that Ukrainian products are appreciated abroad, and in many cases, even seen as higher quality. This mutual exchange boosts both local pride and international cooperation.
Another big plus? Travel. For many young people, especially from areas close to the border, that’s the easiest or even the only way to go abroad. And with that travel comes new languages, new friendships, and even participation in international competitions that make learning more exciting.
⚠️ When it came to difficulties in cooperation, the group focused mainly on one thing: stereotypes. Many students shared that people from other countries still hold outdated or unfair views about Ukrainian culture, daily life, or the impact of the Russian war. These misconceptions can create distance — and breaking them down is something they feel passionate about.
💡 Their dream cooperation projects showed just how thoughtful and inclusive this group is. They dreamed of organizing initiatives focused on feminist and LGBTQ+ movements, building stronger connections with EU youth, and even hosting joint pride parades.
They also envisioned cultural exchange projects to help young people from different countries learn about each other and erase harmful stereotypes. Some would love to host political discussions between youth from across Europe, while others dreamed of international collaborations to tackle environmental problems — like reducing waste and creating realistic, local solutions.
