The “SviTY” Safe Space in the city of Zhytomyr has marked its second anniversary. Over this time, the project, initiated and implemented by the BGV Charitable Foundation, has become a vital support point for hundreds of teenagers in need of psychosocial assistance amid the full-scale war.

The “SviTY” center was opened in partnership with Kids of Ukraine in January 2024. It is a modern, well-equipped space for young Ukrainians, including internally displaced children and children of military personnel. Over two years, 184 teenagers have completed the full psychosocial recovery program, 108 participants have joined camps, and the team has delivered more than 1,500 trainings and workshops.

The space regularly hosts classes in self-defense, acting, financial literacy, art therapy, stretching, and canine-assisted therapy, as well as initiatives aimed at fostering a culture of volunteering — such as making gifts for Ukrainian defenders and visiting hospitals. Special attention is also given to developing environmental awareness, including through waste sorting initiatives.

The space regularly hosts classes in self-defense, acting, financial literacy, art therapy, stretching, and canine-assisted therapy, as well as initiatives aimed at fostering a culture of volunteering — including making gifts for Ukrainian defenders and visiting hospitals. Special attention is also given to developing environmental awareness, in particular through waste sorting.

The effectiveness of the program is also confirmed by the results of psychological assessments. According to the center’s psychologist Tetiana Shapran, after completing the program in five groups of teenagers, anxiety levels decreased by 36.7%, while levels of anger dropped by 60%.

“SviTY is much more than just a space. It is an environment of trust and growth, where teenagers receive psychosocial support and discover themselves through creativity, learning, sports, and live communication. Here, they learn how to build healthy relationships, restore their inner resilience, dream, and plan for the future. It is here that a sense is formed that their voice matters and that opportunities are real,” said Viktor Yevdokymov, Managing Director for Education, Science, and Innovation.