Across Ukraine, thousands of teenagers are investing in their own human capital — experimenting, learning from mistakes, launching first projects, and charting their paths despite war and scarce resources. We’ve gathered their stories to show that the country is rich in untapped talent and drive; with a small boost, this human capital can power Ukraine’s future.
Horlivka, Donetsk region → Kharkiv
“I was hired by a European IT company with zero experience. It all started when I simply learned how to present myself.”
Yaroslav comes from Horlivka, a city occupied since 2014. Now based in Kharkiv and studying at the National University of Economics, he joined the Create HERE! programme to master interviews and craft a résumé.
By the second month he had landed an internship as a front‑end developer at a European IT firm. The biggest surprise, he says, was discovering how achievable it is — even without experience — once you know how to showcase yourself.
Boryslav, Lviv region
Plastic Shield — protective mine casing
“I’ve always been curious how things work. Now I want that knowledge to save lives.”
Inspired by her father, a sapper, Iryna is developing Plastic Shield: a 3‑D‑printed casing that reduces the risk of detonation and makes de‑mining safer.
She is building the first prototype and looking for experts to refine the design so that one day her invention can help bring fathers home safely.
Project: LogoZavryk Speech‑Therapy & Correction Room
Winner of the “Create HERE!” programme
“Children shouldn’t travel 100 km just to learn to speak properly.” A qualified teacher who loves working with kids, Diana noticed there was no speech therapist in her community. With funding from uBoost she created LogoZavryk, the first local speech‑therapy room, opening September 2025.
The room will offer:
Kyiv
“I got my first job — with no experience — simply because I know how to structure my LinkedIn and write a résumé.”
After workshops in Create HERE! Ivan polished his LinkedIn profile, prepared a résumé and started applying. Within weeks he joined an e‑commerce start‑up and soon interviewed at a digital agency. He’s convinced everything starts with a first, seemingly small step.
Chernihiv
Project: Healing Glass Mosaic & Stained‑Glass Studio‑Shop
“Creativity should have room for everyone — not only those who ‘can draw’ or already have a studio.”
Sofiya is building the studio she once missed herself: an accessible space to try mosaic and stained glass by hand. Her project blends craftsmanship, sustainability and social impact.
In the studio you can:
She also offers free “mosaic therapy” for veterans and plans to exhibit young artists’ work in galleries and cafés.
Yuzvyn village, Vinnytsia region
Project: SoulCards — psychological card deck
“Sometimes one question can pull an entire story to the surface.”
Combining her passions for psychology and illustration, Kira created SoulCards: illustrated question cards that help teens voice their feelings. After winning a mini‑grant she is building a website, crafting a prototype and preparing a September 2025 launch to reach schools across Ukraine.
Sviatohirsk, Donetsk region
“I love simple, comfortable clothes—the kind you want to stay in all day.”
Rooted in the calm of her hometown’s monasteries, Varvara’s brand Modesty.Style.Meaning uses natural fabrics, soft colours and cuts suitable for both church and street. Sewing at home for now, she dreams of an atelier in Sviatohirsk and a community that values meaningful simplicity. For her, clothing is a way to show the world who you are.
Raiske village, Zaporizhzhia region
“Interior design is a language too—you can say more with it than with words.”
Dmytro is launching an Instagram store offering atmospheric décor boxes for teens. Each set combines trendy and handmade pieces to style a room in a Pinterest vibe or unique aesthetic. Some items are 3‑D printed; others echo youth trends.
Early orders will come via Instagram or TikTok, with a build‑your‑own feature planned for the website. He hopes to scale up and involve other teenagers in creating décor together.