Valeriia Pavliuk

My name is Valeriia Pavliuk, I’m 17 years old, and I’m originally from Kharkiv. Due to the full-scale war, I had to leave my hometown and now live in the Lviv region as an internally displaced person. This experience has deeply shaped my worldview and motivated me to become more socially active. I represent a generation of Ukrainian youth who are growing up during uncertain and transformative times. Through my personal story, I aim to give a voice to those who have been displaced, who are rebuilding their lives from scratch, and who are striving to create positive change despite difficult circumstances. I am actively involved in youth initiatives and local community projects that focus on education, creativity, and civic engagement. I believe in the power of young people to influence society, and I often take leadership roles in the projects I’m part of. I also organize a local debate club and help others develop their voices and confidence through structured discussion and critical thinking. For me, participation in this project is not just a personal opportunity — it’s a chance to share the experiences of my peers, advocate for the needs of displaced youth, and show how we continue to adapt, lead, and dream about the future of Ukraine. I am passionate about using creativity and communication as tools for social impact and believe that even the most difficult changes can lead to growth.