"My Main Goal? A Sustainable World": A Ukrainian Teenager's Vision for the Future
From War Zone to Eco-Warrior: How One Teenager Channels Hope into Action
- Available in:
- English
- Română
Oleksandr, a 17-year-old from Ukraine, has a story that echoes the struggles and resilience of countless others affected by conflict and displacement. As a teenager caught in the midst of war, Oleksandr's journey from his hometown of Odesa to Romania is marked by challenges, lessons learned, and a steadfast commitment to making a difference in the world, particularly in the realm of environmental activism.
The onset of the war in Ukraine left Oleksandr grappling with fear and uncertainty. He vividly recalls the moment when war shattered the tranquility of his hometown. Rockets tore through the sky, and explosions became the grim backdrop to everyday life. "The first time I heard that it had started, I thought it couldn't be possible," he recollects.
„We had a basement, but we never thought that we would have to hide from bombs there. We did not store food, so it was not ready for us to stay there for a long time. At the beginning, we hid inside the house in a windowless corridor, where I did my last lesson in the winter of 2022…”.
Despite the chaos, Oleksandr's determination to continue his education remained steadfast. "You have to study," he mentions, reflecting on the challenging experience of attending online classes amidst missile strikes.
The decision to flee Ukraine was made in two days only, which made Oleksandr grapple with a whirlwind of emotions. Leaving behind his home, family, and friends was a painful ordeal. "I was very upset and confused by what was happening," he admits. "The uncertainty of when I would see my loved ones again weighed heavily on my mind."
Arriving in Romania on his birthday, Oleksandr began a new chapter of his life. Despite the challenges of adapting to a foreign land, he remained resilient, embracing the opportunities that lay before him. "My first months in Bucharest were difficult," he shares. "But amidst the struggle, I discovered a city full of energy."
Amidst the challenges, Oleksander discovered a beacon of hope and community at the National Youth Foundation (FNT) center, supported by UNICEF in Romania. Here, he found solace in dance classes and a supportive network of peers.
„My start with FNT was very interesting. I was very tired from the constant routine, from working with documents, from doing online school, from attending different online courses and competitions. I needed live communication. Many thanks to my mother for helping me look for hubs, this is how we came across FNT. We contacted one of the center's employees, who told us that there would be a Hip-Hop lesson. As I am very fond of dancing and even used to break dancing, I decided to go to FNT hub”, recalls Oleksandr.
U-Reporting for a Greener Future
Oleksander discovered U-Report during his activities at FNT, which sparked his interest immediately and made him become a very engaged U-reporter among his other peers. "U-Report is a way for teenagers to influence the future," he says. He encouraged his friends to register on to the platform through awareness and training sessions because he saw its potential for raising their voices and inspiring a meaningful change.
As an active U-Reporter, Oleksandr tackles pressing environmental issues with fervor. His interest in ecology stems from early participation in school competitions focused on environmental conservation. "I decided to further develop in this area of activity," he explains, driven by a desire to make a positive impact on the world.
„I think the most pressing environmental issue in our community right now is the irrational use of the planet's resources, especially water. Any natural resources, as we have become accustomed to the fact that almost everything can be obtained almost effortlessly, and this devalues many things and their use, which leads to a shorter consumption period and increased energy and resource consumption for their production”, says Oleksandr.
„I believe that young people are the main driving force not only on environmental issues but also on issues related to a comfortable future, as teenagers are energic and passionate about solving environmental problems as they realize the importance of preserving nature for future generations. My generation has access to the latest technologies and innovations that can help solve problems”.
For Oleksandr, youth engagement is key to shaping environmental policies and driving social change. He champions the role of young people as agents of change, harnessing their energy and enthusiasm to address pressing global challenges.
Oleksandr prioritizes initiatives such as waste sorting, water conservation, and spreading awareness about environmental degradation as key aspects of his advocacy efforts. He believes in the power of education and storytelling to inspire eco-friendly practices within his community. By sharing information about the consequences of environmental negligence and the benefits of sustainable living, he aims to foster a culture of environmental stewardship.
Looking to the future, Oleksander's aspirations extend beyond personal success. "My main goal is to create an environmentally sustainable world," he shares. He envisions a future where diplomacy triumphs over conflict, where resources are conserved for future generations, and where every voice is heard and valued.
In sharing his story, Oleksandr challenges also misconceptions and fosters empathy towards those impacted by conflict. "You cannot judge a nation by one person," he asserts. "Amidst the chaos of war, it's important to remember the resilience and humanity of those who endure."
In Oleksandr's journey, we find echoes of resilience, activism, and hope — a proof to the unwavering spirit of youth in the face of adversity. As he continues to navigate the challenges of displacement and advocates for a better world, his story serves as a beacon of inspiration for generations to come.
Discover below the four lessons that Oleksander wishes to share based on his experience as a refugee:
- One of the main lessons is that you must learn English. Because English is an international language. Of course, not everyone in Romania speaks and understands English, but when I was faced with documents, I realized that my level was not good enough to communicate and solve problems.
- The second lesson is that you should never give up, no matter what. Yes, it will be difficult now, very difficult, but you have to endure it, and overcome it, and then it will be much easier, especially because you will already know how to behave in such a situation.
- The third lesson is that you need to use online maps because the map will be your best friend when you first arrive in a new place. If you still don't have a mobile map from a local operator, be sure to plan a trip in advance or download an offline map. It is very important to be sure that the charge on your phone will last until you get home, or just take portable chargers with you. In the most extreme case, knowledge of English or sign language will come in handy.
- The fourth lesson is that you cannot stay at home all the time. You need to find friends, like-minded people with whom you will have fun and get mental support.
