Mariupol is planning to implement ‘UPSHIFT Ukraine’ project, aimed at developing social and professional skills among young people. This is a global innovation program of UNICEF, based on best private business practices. It is implemented in 22 countries by the UN Children's Fund.
In order to adapt the project in Mariupol, the deputy mayor for the activities of the executive bodies, Alexander Kochurin, held a working meeting with the UNICEF program coordinator Herve Morin and the head of youth development and health programs of the Representative Office of the United Nations Children's Fund Elena Sakovich.
During the visit, the sides discussed the positive aspects of the implementation of this initiative in the region. Herve Morin spoke in detail about the stages and conditions of the program.
‘The project is intended to improve the employment prospects of young people and it is aimed at developing children's entrepreneurial skills. Special attention is paid to socially unprotected segments of the population. The UPSHIFT program combines social innovation training, mentoring and financial support,’ Herve Morin said.
Anyone from 14 to 21 will be able to take part in the project. The participants, under the leadership of the mentor, will work on their own initiatives aimed at identifying and solving social problems of the region. Half of the selected teams will receive a grant of approximately UAH 60,000.
Alexander Kochurin thanked the guests for the useful educational initiative.
‘We strongly support programs aimed at youth development. Mariupol is always No. 1 in the implementation of such initiatives. We are already participating in a project from USAID to promote university startups. UPSHIFT Ukraine will be a good support in the training of professionally oriented specialists. It will help develop the professional resilience of young Mariupol citizens,’ Alexander Kochurin concluded.
The first initiative with UPSHIFT began in Kharkov. The launch of the project in Mariupol is planned in October.
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