Karazin Students Implement the “Art Kitchen of the World” Youth Project with Support from the International Move On Programme

Slaviana Paranicheva and Karyna Kalinichenko, students of the Ukrainian Engineering Pedagogics Academy Education and Research Institute at V. N. Karazin Kharkiv National University, have successfully implemented the youth project "Art Kitchen of the World" as part of the Move On educational and grant programme. The initiative was carried out with the support of the University's Centre for Innovative Educational Technologies.

"Art Kitchen of the World" brought young people together through creativity, intercultural communication, and an exploration of traditions from different countries. As part of the project, the students organised five themed workshops combining educational activities, creative practices, and informal interaction.

Each session focused on the culture of a different country. Participants learned about its traditions, completed creative tasks, made their own crafts, and shared their impressions. Particular attention was paid to creating a friendly and inclusive environment where young people could develop their talents, meet like-minded peers, and gain positive experience through collaborative activities.

The initiative was preceded by the students' participation in the Move On educational and grant programme, implemented as part of the Youth Empowerment Programme Ukraine with the support of the German organisation Schüler Helfen Leben. The programme aims to foster youth leadership and civic engagement and support socially beneficial initiatives through training, mentoring, and grant funding.

During the programme, the participants acquired fundamental skills in project management, budget planning, resource mobilisation, outcome evaluation, and risk management. They put their knowledge into practice at every stage, from developing the concept for their initiative to organising and delivering creative events.

The "Art Kitchen of the World" project demonstrated how student ideas can be transformed into real community initiatives. The events helped develop young people's creative potential, promote intercultural dialogue, and strengthen the youth community.

Supporting such initiatives is an important part of Karazin University's mission. The University creates opportunities for students to develop leadership skills, strengthen their sense of social responsibility, and bring youth projects to life.

The project team would like to express its gratitude to the organisers of the Move On programme, Schüler Helfen Leben, the mentors, the Centre for Innovative Educational Technologies, and all participants in the creative sessions for their support, enthusiasm, and collaborative efforts.