Opportunities in action!
About us
The NGO «Zahody» was created in 2017 in Mariupol by displaced persons from the occupied territories and students of local universities. We remained in Mariupol until March 20, 2022, helping people survive in war conditions and evacuate. And then we were forced to move to Khmelnytskyi, where we not only continued to implement social and educational initiatives, but also significantly expanded our activities!
Since August 2024, we have begun working in Dnipropetrovsk and Donetsk regions, contributing to the formation of a strong civic society by involving youth in decision-making processes.
Our history shows that even in the most difficult times, we can become a driving force. And we believe: together we are able to overcome difficulties and create a better future!
Our team
Yuriy Davydenko
Head of the project
Borisenko Daria
Assistant MIO
Kozytska Alina
Coordinator of the direction of development of youth councils
Kolysnik Daria
SММ
Reviews
Serhiy,
Kamianets-Podilskyi
“I completed 10 social entrepreneurship trainings. With the help of a mentor, I developed a business plan for my project, presented my idea at the Demo Day event, and gained invaluable experience and advice that helped me start my own business. Thank you, NGO 'Zahody', for this opportunity!”
Liliia Korotych,
Member of the Youth Council, Mariupol
“We created what had long been in our thoughts and hearts. When a team finds common values and a new vision amidst a whirlwind of ideas — it's the beginning of truly important changes for us. Then you need the strength and direction to bring everything to completion. Together with NGO Zahody, our project took physical form, and we are very proud of it.”
Kubra Najafli,
Member of the Youth Council, Mariupol
“Cooperation with NGO 'Zahody' was a valuable and inspiring experience for me. A team of professionals working with dedication and openness always supports volunteers and their initiatives. I am happy to be part of this mission and look forward to further collaboration!”
Oleksandra Kiritseva,
Deputy Head of the Youth Council of Mariupol
“It was a great pleasure to work with NGO 'Zahody'. From the very beginning, it was clear that the team was responsible and result-oriented. I thank the management and all team members for maintaining a friendly atmosphere and collegiality, and for discussing and resolving all work issues in a way that suited everyone. I hope we will implement many more projects together!”
Alina,
Vasylkivka, Dnipropetrovsk region
“I participated in the development of youth programs, which gave me valuable experience, a better understanding of how government institutions work in education and culture, and a sense of contributing to community development. I enjoyed the friendly atmosphere, teamwork, and feeling like part of an important project.”
Kostiantyn,
Pidhorodne, Dnipropetrovsk region
“My first impression of interning in local government was interesting. I learned a lot — from useful problem-solving tools to a significant amount of bureaucracy. I realized what it's like to work in a city council and whether I liked it or not. And I can say this: I liked it. During the internship, I saw how community issues are resolved and how I can help solve them through local authorities.”
Team of the 1st wave of UPSHIFT 'Water for Everyone',
Kryvyi Rih district
“Participating in UPSHIFT gave us a real push to take action. Thanks to the program, we not only raised awareness about water quality issues in Kryvyi Rih but also started making real changes. We conducted educational trainings, organized workshops where children learned to test and purify water, created our own cartoon about the value of clean water, and launched Instagram and TikTok pages to share useful tips on water conservation. Thank you UPSHIFT and NGO 'Zahody' for your support and belief in our idea!”
Illia,
Dnipro
“I am very grateful to UNICEF and its partners — NGO 'Zahody' and the Dnipropetrovsk Regional State Administration — for supporting the activities of the Dnipropetrovsk Regional Youth Work Center. This is the very place that unites young people, provides development opportunities, and offers many ways to spend free time usefully. Our board games, educational trainings, and friendly meetings are the best.”