Olesia Lapikova

2022 IVLP Impact Award Project: Developing Youth Communities in Ukrainian Front-Line Territories Ukraine

Olesia Lapikova is a public activist from Ukraine. They are a member of the All-Ukrainian NGO Institute Respubliсa and NGO Mainstream. Olesia is passionate about involving citizens, particularly youth, in political processes. They are involved in training and consulting on petitions and elections for citizens and authorities. Olesia coordinates and supports educational projects for youth and pro-feminist projects. They also focus on the facilitation of public consultations at the local and national levels as well as organizing cultural, literary and musical events. During the full-scale invasion of Ukraine, Olesia engaged in volunteering, information support of volunteer initiatives and translation of news reports.

IVLP Impact Award Project: Developing Youth Communities in Ukrainian Front-Line Territories 
This project worked with territorial communities in Ukraine that were under occupation or located on the Ukrainian border. In addition to the destruction of infrastructure, these communities faced a mass exodus of residents, particularly young people. Therefore, it was important to develop an action plan for the return of young specialists to these territories. It was also important to maintain contact with young people, help them adapt to new conditions and cope with psychological and other challenges.
The project provided for three levels of work with communities:
1) Administered a series of webinars for youth activists and local authorities involving international experts.
2) Developed a youth return plan for 5 territorial communities.
3) Implemented measures to support the psycho-emotional state of youth by communities with mentor support.

Olesia’s project supported youth policy in Ukrainian front-line communities, both occupied and liberated. As these communities are facing a mass exodus of young residents, this project provided support for young people to maintain contact with their communities and allow them to return after a period of war. 124 young adults participated in 4 free webinars to discuss topics such as youth involvement in stagnant regions, adapting to new situations, and anxiety/stress reduction.  

Check out Olesia's project here: https://zp.suspilne.media/episode/63234

“Based on the results of the strategic session, points were identified in which cooperation with and for youth has already been established, and which need improvement or rethinking.” - Project Participant

IVLP Exchange Experience 

Olesia was a participant in the IVLP Project Youth and Civic Engagement II organized by the U.S. Department of State and Mississippi Consortium for International Development.

Olesia's exchange experience led to the development of their IVLP Impact Award Project: "It was an incredible communication with colleagues from all over the world, which brought inspiration and motivation for further work. Although the IVLP was held online, there was a feeling of live presence and warmth. I am grateful for the incredible experience and feeling of unity!"

U.S. Communities Visited Virtually 

Washington, DC; Atlanta, GA; Manchester, NH; Pittsburgh, PA

Country: Ukraine

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