90% of Ukrainian teenagers want to contribute to rebuilding Ukraine. Research by Dobrodiy Club

Dobrodiy Club has presented the results of a nationwide sociological study: “Teenagers and Their Lives During the War: Moods, Values, Future.”
The research was conducted with the support of the humanitarian organization Plan International, and the survey itself was carried out by Kantar among teenagers aged 13–19 from across Ukraine.*

The results reveal how the war has affected Ukrainian teenagers — what concerns them most today, how much support they receive, how they see their own self-realization, and where they plan their future.

87% of teenagers note that the greatest changes in their lives happened during the full-scale invasion; 83% want to learn how to support themselves in difficult times; and 90% aspire to contribute to rebuilding Ukraine.

“This study is a chance to see from the inside what today’s youth expect from Ukrainian society — what challenges they face and how the war has reshaped their lives and outlook. We see that teenagers who remain in Ukraine do so consciously. They are living through this difficult experience on par with adults and are ready to take responsibility for their future. That gives real hope,” — said Maria Artemenko, founder and head of Dobrodiy Club.

Despite the war being the main source of worry, 93% of respondents believe in themselves and their abilities, saying they make efforts toward personal development, while nearly 70% already know who they want to become — even though long-term planning feels impossible. At the same time, young people crave more encouragement: 59% wish their parents, friends, or teachers would support them more.

“Adults need to listen to teenagers, because we see life from a different angle. Just as we learn from adults, they can also learn from our generation,” — said Kyrylo Peredrii, a 12-year-old journalist from Pokrovsk.

During the full-scale war, nearly half (43%) of the surveyed youth have already engaged in volunteering — raising funds for the Armed Forces of Ukraine, weaving camouflage nets, packing aid, or preparing and distributing food. Looking ahead, they believe they can contribute to rebuilding the country by developing the economy, infrastructure, and through volunteer work.

“At the moment, international discussions on Ukraine’s reconstruction often overlook the voices and needs of young people. But to set the right priorities for recovery, it is essential to listen to them and learn from them. Their voices are equally important in shaping both today’s and tomorrow’s Ukraine,” — shared Mia Haglund Hilas, Head of Mission of Plan International in Ukraine.

The figures and insights from the research will be valuable for anyone working with teenagers — educators, mentors, and those developing programs or services for youth. These findings reflect the mindset of a generation that will shape Ukraine’s future for decades to come.

The full version of the study is available via the link.

About the Research

The comprehensive nationwide sociological study “Teenagers and Their Lives During the War: Moods, Values, Future” was conducted by Kantar in two stages:

• Qualitative: four online focus groups (90 minutes each) with teenagers aged 13–19 from Kyiv, Lviv, Odesa, and Dnipro.
• Quantitative: a face-to-face survey of 600 respondents aged 13–19 across Ukrainian cities with populations over 50,000 (average duration: 20 minutes).

About Dobrodiy Club

The Dobrodiy Club Charitable Foundation is a nationwide organization that has been helping children since 2016. During the war, Dobrodiy Club focuses on two key directions:

• Emergency support for families with children in crisis situations.
• Childhood support — improving the emotional and mental well-being of children and teenagers through creativity and social-emotional activities.

About Plan International

Founded in 1937, Plan International is an independent humanitarian organization promoting children’s rights and gender equality for girls, operating in more than 75 countries. The organization works toward a just world by collaborating with children, youth, supporters, and partners.