The public organization “Center for Civic Education “Almenda”” announces the start of a new stage of the All-Ukrainian competition entitled “I Hear You: Building the Future Together.”
What is this contest about?
The goal of the competition is to promote social unity among Ukrainian youth with different war experiences.
We aim to create a space for dialogue between teenagers in the temporarily occupied territories (TOT), living in Ukraine or abroad. This is an opportunity to reflect on common values through creativity and form a vision of the future, where everyone feels part of a single community.
The work (essay or video) should explore one or more of these topics:
- Different stories - one country: Think about what your peers are going through: some remained under occupation, some went abroad, and some live under shelling or in rear towns. Your task is to try to hear and understand the experiences of others.
- What unites us: What helps you feel part of Ukraine, even if you are far away or speak a different language? It could be shared values, traditions, or just the dream of victory.
- A letter to someone you don't know: Imagine a dialogue with a peer you've never met, but who also loves Ukraine. What words of support would you say? How can we understand each other better?
- A future where everyone has a place: How do you see our country after the war? How can we ensure that every teenager, whether returning home or staying in their community, feels supported, not judged or alienated?
Who can participate?
The following are invited to participate:
- Teenagers aged 14 to 18 years inclusive (born in 2008).
Students in grades 8–11 of schools, lyceums, colleges, vocational and extracurricular education institutions.
Nominations for 2026:
This year the competition is held in two categories:
- Essays (personal reflections, stories, letters to peers, from 500 to 4,000 characters).
- Social video (1–3 minute video in TikTok, Reels or author-style formats).
How to join?
- Read the detailed Terms and Conditions of the Competition. You can find them at the link on the website.
- Create an original work in Ukrainian (English is also allowed for videos).
- Fill out the Google registration form at the link: https://forms.gle/GZqXvxAiQnKd7DMC9 and attach your file.
Important dates:
- Acceptance of works: from August 20, 2025 to September 30, 2026.
- Announcement of winners: by November 1, 2026.
Awards:
The winners who take 1st, 2nd and 3rd places in both nominations will receive diplomas and valuable gifts. Participants who pass the qualifying stage will become Laureates of the competition. The best works will be published on the resources of the NGO "Almenda" and in the media.