For many families forced to leave their homes due to the war, Zhytomyr has become a new sanctuary. One of the most difficult challenges in adapting to a new place is the socialization of young people. This is why, in 2024, the SviTY space was opened in Zhytomyr as a joint initiative of the BGV Charity Fund and the KIDS OF UKRAINE Charity Fund.

This location has become a safe haven for teenagers aged 11–17. Here, they find professional psychological support, connect with peers, learn to manage their emotions, and restore their inner resilience. Through shared creativity and play, the new city gradually begins to feel like home.

Recently, we celebrated the second anniversary of the Space alongside those who help the project grow and support our initiatives:

• International Support: The guest of honor at the celebration was the Chairman of the Tallinn City Council, Mihhail Kõlvart. We are sincerely grateful to Mr. Kõlvart and the entire Estonian people for their systematic humanitarian aid and the organization of summer camps for Ukrainian children.

• Regional and Local Attention: Viktor Hradivskyi, Deputy Head of the Zhytomyr Regional Military Administration, and Halyna Shymanska, Acting Mayor of Zhytomyr, joined with congratulatory remarks. Such support at the regional and city levels is critical for effective youth work.

• The Visionaries Behind the Project: Special thanks to those who turned this Space into a reality — Artem Mazur, founder of the KIDS OF UKRAINE Charity Fund, and Polina Aldoshyna, the inspiration behind “SviTY” in Zhytomyr and former head of the BGV Charity Fund.

However, the main heroes of the celebration remain the teenagers themselves. Their stories about what SviTY means to them serve as the best proof that this “island of safety” is successfully fulfilling its mission. We thank all our partners and every adult who puts a piece of their heart into the recovery and future of our children.