By age group:

• 10–14 years – 16%
• 15–17 years – 43%
• 18–24 years – 20%
• 25+ years – 21%

Among respondents aged 10–35, the following vulnerability categories were represented:

• 14% – youth from rural areas
• 2% – youth with disabilities
• 18% – internally displaced persons (IDPs)
• 12% – representatives of other vulnerable groups

The survey revealed key problems and priorities for young people in the Dnipropetrovsk region, demonstrating clear directions for further youth work.

Key Priority Areas for Youth Work

Up to 14 years (youngest group)

The promotion of a healthy lifestyle (30.5%) and support for mental health (31.4%) are the main priorities. This shows an understanding of the importance of physical and psychological well-being from an early age, which is especially critical in wartime conditions.

Support for youth facing difficult life circumstances (26.9%) also ranks highly, reflecting sensitivity to vulnerable groups.

Youth employment (24.2%) is already significant, although for this age group it remains more of a long-term perspective.

15–17 years (transition age)

Youth employment (50.9%) becomes the undisputed top priority, indicating an acute need as young people approach adulthood and entry into the labor market.

Mental health support (33.2%) remains highly relevant, which is important during adolescence and periods of stress.

Promotion of a healthy lifestyle (26.2%) also remains significant.

Interest in youth infrastructure (17.1%) grows, which may indicate a need for modern spaces for recreation and self-development.

18–24 years (students and early career)

Youth employment (63.3%) reaches its peak, showing the strongest demand among young professionals and students actively seeking jobs or building careers.

Mental health support (39.8%) is extremely important due to academic pressures, job search, and adaptation to adult life—further intensified by war.

Need for civic engagement (20.8%) and youth infrastructure (24.5%) increases, indicating a desire to participate more actively in community life and have appropriate spaces for this.

25+ years (young families and experienced professionals)

Support for young families and IDPs (37.2%) becomes the top priority, which is logical given current conditions and the large number of young families displaced by the full-scale invasion.

Youth employment (47.0%) remains very important, although slightly less pressing than for younger groups.

Support for youth in difficult circumstances (34.0%) and mental health (31.4%) also remain priorities.

Youth entrepreneurship (22.1%) and civic participation (22.6%) gain importance, reflecting aspirations for self-realization through business and active societal engagement.

General Trends and Recommendations

Employment is the absolute priority

It is a cross-cutting need for all ages, growing sharper when moving from school to university and into the job market. Support programs must be adapted to age: career orientation for younger youth and retraining for older youth.

Mental resilience and well-being

The demand for mental health support and healthy lifestyle promotion is high across all groups, emphasizing the need for comprehensive psychological support and health programs, especially given the impact of war.

Infrastructure and civic activity

Older youth increasingly request accessible modern spaces and opportunities for creativity, socialization, and community initiatives.

Targeted support for vulnerable groups

Support for youth in difficult life circumstances, young families, and IDPs remains critically relevant and requires specialized social and psychological programs.

Lack of Youth Services / Activities

Although career guidance and employment assistance received only 12% support, this does not diminish their importance. These services are key instruments for meeting the main youth need — employment (53%).

Young people beginning their career often need support in choosing a profession, understanding the labor market, and presenting themselves to employers.

Possible reasons for low expressed demand:

1. Low awareness of effective career guidance
2. Past experience may have been formal, ineffective, or unhelpful.
3. Focus on the end result, not the process
4. Youth see employment as the goal but do not always consider the steps required to reach it (career choice, résumé writing, interview preparation, soft skills).
5. Different levels of readiness and awareness
6. Some youth have clear plans and need concrete job opportunities; others have not yet realized they need guidance.

Because of this, non-formal education appears more demanded than employment-related services, as youth prefer interactive, creative formats when facing topics that seem difficult or uninteresting.

Recommendations for Meeting These Needs

1. Expand access to high-quality career guidance

• Regular trainings, workshops, webinars
• Develop methodological materials to ensure quality

2. Strengthen cooperation with employers

• Platforms for direct communication
• Company visits and open days
• Coordinating councils with vocational and higher education institutions

3. Support youth entrepreneurship

• Consultations and mentorship
• Information about grants and financing

Sports Demand

High demand is explained by lack of infrastructure and organized activities.

Recommendations:

• Better use of existing facilities
• Engage volunteer coaches
• Adapted local events and online challenges
• Promote accessible healthy lifestyles

Need for Youth Centers and Education

Recommendations:

• Develop youth centers
• Launch modern educational programs
• Engage experts
• Use online learning
• Support youth initiatives with grants

Conclusions and Recommendations

Youth overwhelmingly express a desire for confidence in their future, access to opportunities, and practical development.

Key observed trends:

• Interest in employment, non-formal education, civic participation
• Disillusionment with traditional institutions
• Need for new communication channels built on partnership

Youth prefer:

• Practical tools
• Internship opportunities
• Trainings
• Mentorship
• Support for initiatives

They expect:

• Transparency
• Fairness
• Recognition of their contribution

Recommendations:

• Invest in long-term youth development programs
• Treat youth policy as co-creation, not administration
• Build opportunity ecosystems in communities
• Strengthen trust through involvement and transparency

Youth are ready to participate in community development — provided they are given clear and accessible mechanisms.

List of Communities

Dniprovska, Kryvorizka, Mykolaivska, Kamianska, Pidhorodnenska, Samarska, Petrykivska, Krasnopilska, Karnaukhivska, Slobozhanska, Synelnykova, Shakhtarska, Sviatovasylivska, Mohylivska, Solonianska, Verbkivska, Hleiuvatska, Vasylkivska, Devladivska, Lykhivska, Synelnykivska, Liubymivska, Zatyshnianska, Verkhovetska, Kytaihorodska, Verkhnodniprovskа, Zhovtovodska, Piatykhatska.