The first youth space of the “12–21” network, created by the Olena Zelenska Foundation, has opened in Bila Tserkva. This is a barrier-free center designed for leisure, peer-to-peer interaction, and professional psychosocial support for adolescents and young people.
“With every new project, with every conversation with families, partners and, most importantly, with the children themselves, it became increasingly clear for us: adolescents and young people require a special approach. They need services tailored to their age and real needs,” Olena Zelenska stated.
The First Lady shared that, according to UNICEF, 73% of young people aged 14–34 require psychosocial assistance. Therefore, the project was created in response to the challenges of the war: stress, uncertainty, and forced displacement.
The Olena Zelenska Foundation conducted in-depth interviews across different regions, confirming the experiences of young people: many have left their homes, been separated from relatives, and are facing stress and uncertainty about the future. Supporting young people has therefore become one of the Foundation’s key priorities.
“Not waiting for young people to ask for help but creating places where they will want to come on their own,” the First Lady emphasized.
To develop the “12–21” network of spaces, the Foundation’s team visited youth centers in Serbia, France, Israel, and Denmark. The model used in Denmark – Headspace – was chosen as a basis and adapted to the Ukrainian context, including life during wartime.
Howard Buffett, an American businessman and philanthropist who supports the project, attended the opening of the space in Bila Tserkva, along with the Headspace team, which has become a partner of “12–21.” Ukrainian partners of the project also took part in the opening: the Coordination Center for Mental Health under the Cabinet of Ministers of Ukraine and the “Voices of Children” Foundation.
The “12–21” space in Bila Tserkva is now open to visitors. It includes areas for communication, interest-based clubs, and individual quiet rooms. Psychologists and social workers are available on site.
This year, new spaces will open as well in Chernihiv and Khmelnytskyi, and in early 2026 – in Kryvyi Rih and Odesa.