Reliving adolescence: an interview with Alex, project manager at Dobrodiy Club

Alex is a 25-year-old from a small village in the Vasylkiv region. He has a big dream — to one day attend the Oscars. And although today he’s not in Hollywood but working at Dobrodiy Club, his life still feels like a movie — full of drama, turning points, perseverance, and an inner light that shines through everything he does.

“I studied television journalism, worked in marketing, and even tried myself in film. I’ve always been drawn to where there’s light, sound, and a stage,” he says.

His main passion isn’t collecting things or traveling — it’s meeting people. Not formal or work-related interactions, but deep, meaningful connections that can start with a random message and grow into friendship, love, or collaboration.

“My biggest passion is people. I can just text someone who inspires me. I’m not afraid of that — because that’s how I get to know myself. My life is constant communication, and that’s what energizes me.”

For almost a year now, Alex has been working at Dobrodiy Club — organizing events, working with teenagers, connecting educators, and coordinating fundraising marathons. For him, this isn’t just a job — it’s a way to relive what once went unspoken and unsupported.

“My teenage years were tough, though in many ways they were great. But I feel like I didn’t live through that period fully. Communication with peers, self-acceptance, self-expression — all that was difficult. When I joined the foundation, I realized: this is my chance. A chance to relive adolescence again. Not alone, but together. And that together became the teens.”

The inspiring events “How to Support Yourself in Today’s Reality” became a project that united his passions — teamwork, the love of the stage, and the desire to create something that would stay with teenagers for a long time.

“It felt like I was producing a world-class show here in Ukraine. Communication with schools, the stage, the stars, the emotions — it was all massive. And the moment that stays with me most is when the music starts, the host walks on stage, and you see the eyes of the teenagers. It’s so powerful it brings tears to your eyes.”

When choosing speakers, Alex doesn’t focus on follower counts or famous names. What matters most to him is that the teens themselves would want to see this person — that they’d feel connected.

“It can be someone unknown — but the kind of person who walks into a room, and you immediately smile. And when they start talking, you’re so drawn in that you want to approach them afterward and talk more.”

Behind his ability to be present for teenagers during tough times lies a lot of inner work. When emotions run high, Alex doesn’t hide behind a mask of strength.

“I cry when I’m alone and smile when I’m around people who matter to me. That’s how I keep my balance and stay myself.”

After completing “How to Support Yourself in Today’s Reality,” Alex didn’t retreat backstage — he launched a new project: an interactive theater training for teachers.

“We brought together over 200 teachers from Chernihiv, Kyiv, and Zhytomyr regions. We taught them techniques to help create safe and supportive environments for lessons — even in shelters.”

Now, Alex manages the “Responsible Adults” fundraising campaign for Children’s Day. The goal — to raise funds for therapeutic and recovery activities for teenagers affected by the war.

These young people will soon become the backbone of Ukrainian society — in just 5–7 years. How motivated, self-aware, and resilient they will be depends greatly on the support they receive today.

“Taking part in the fundraising marathon was a challenge for me. It’s like a game with an open ending — you don’t know what the result will be, but you know it’s worth playing to the end. ‘This fundraiser is an investment in what will grow later,’ says Mariia, the founder of Dobrodiy Club — and I completely agree. We still don’t realize how important this is for the future.”

For Alex, this work is more than management — it’s an experience that mirrors film production: long, emotional, and sometimes exhausting.

“This marathon reminds me of a film shoot — weeks at full speed, little sleep, constant tension, endless tasks. Sometimes you just want to walk away and cry. And you do. You cry, then come back — and keep going. Then comes the premiere, and you see the result of your work, realizing it was all worth it. And even if it was tough — you’d do it all again.”

In these moments, the true meaning becomes clear. It’s not just about management, plans, and deadlines — it’s about being the person he once needed himself, and who he now becomes for others.

Finally, Alex shares his dream:

“I dream of throwing a huge festival party — with teenagers. With great music, amazing people, and stars. In a peaceful city. A night filled with joy and the understanding that tomorrow will come. I want to create something grand — something the whole world will hear about.”

This dream is about teenagers who’ve lived through trauma but are slowly finding their way back — to life, to themselves, to a reality where they can once again just be.

And today, we can help make that dream real — by supporting their emotional resilience and helping them find their inner strength.

👉 The Responsible Adults fundraising campaign is still ongoing — and you can join it too. If you’d like to be part of this initiative, message us on Telegram — we’d love to have you on board!