A Youth Center for Ukrainian teens opens in Bucharest
The Romanian Angel Appeal Foundation (RAA), supported by UNICEF and the Norwegian Refugee Council (NRC) and in partnership with the National Library of Romania, has opened a youth activity center for teens affected by the war in Ukraine – the Ukrainian Youth Hub. The center operates every Tuesday and Thursday from 4:00 PM to 8:00 PM in the Ludoteca located on the mezzanine of the Library.
This is the third center dedicated to Ukrainian refugee minors that the RAA Foundation has opened in collaboration with local and international partners.
Purpose and activities
The creation of this space responded to the expressed need of parents and adolescents for socialization, making new friends, and participating in interactive and recreational activities. The youth center combines non-formal education workshops and provides a safe space within the National Library of Romania where teens can socialize and develop their socio-emotional, creative, and linguistic skills.
Upcoming activities
Soon, other spaces within the National Library will host free English and Romanian language lessons.
“I am pleased that the RAA team, with the support of UNICEF, the Norwegian Refugee Council (NRC), and in partnership with the National Library of Romania, has brought this project to life. Adolescence can be a difficult period, and it is even harder for young refugees from Ukraine in a foreign country, without friends, with fathers on the front lines, and facing countless uncertainties that seem out of a dystopia.
I know this is just the beginning; this week we only broke the ice. It will be a summer full of activities dedicated to the young people, children, and parents affected by the war in Ukraine, where we hope to help them regain their confidence in themselves and humanity.” – Silvia Asandi, General Director of the Romanian Angel Appeal Foundation
Teens participated enthusiastically in the first days of activities, where our partners aimed to get to know them better so that they could adapt future workshops to our youth interests. In the coming weeks, over 400 young Ukrainian refugees aged 12 to 19 are expected to visit the National Library of Romania.
“In difficult times, it is even more important to focus on the future and care for the younger generation. Young people who have gone through unimaginable hardships need an environment where they feel safe and can complete their education. We cannot change history, but we can help these young people understand its lessons. And where better to do this than in the National Library?” said Adrian Cioroianu, General Director of the National Library of Romania.
Continuing efforts
RAA’s efforts to support children, young people, and refugee families from Ukraine will continue, with a key focus on socio-educational integration.
For 32 years, Romanian Angel Appeal has been working to improve the quality of life for young people and children at risk of social exclusion through sustainable actions in three key areas: health, education, and social assistance.
Learn more about the youth center’s activities by following our Instagram page.
Support the Youth Hub’s activities by donating HERE.
