Program brings experts from Ukraine, U.S. together to promote healthy youth

June 2, 2008 | La Crosse, Wis.

In every country around the world, young people represent the future. A concern for youth, and the hope of creating a healthier society, has brought 10 Ukranians to Wisconsin to gather ideas and examples of programs that can be adapted for use in their home country.

The four men and six women are professionals from a number of non-governmental agencies, social service agencies, schools and medical facilities who have a special interest in youth. Their goals range from promoting physical health through sports to preventing diseases to providing support to people living with HIV. Members of the delegation will also be looking at how programs and projects are funded. In Ukraine, many valuable projects depend on donations, and to receive government funding would be a huge step towards success and stability of the programs.

Ukraine is facing a mounting problem of unhealthy lifestyles and choices among its young people. There are the after-effects of the 1986 nuclear accident at Chernobyl, an increase in alcohol, cigarette and drug use. Teenage pregnancy and sexually transmitted diseases are on the rise, and HIV/AIDS is spreading faster than any other country in Europe. Sex education is not taught in the schools, and there are few public service announcements that warn against the dangers of unhealthy behavior.

Still, progress is being made. In 2006, a Ukranian group that provides assistance to people living with HIV/AIDS, won a Red Ribbon Award for its achievements in addressing and overcoming discrimination against people living with HIV/AIDS. The award was presented at the International Conference on HIV/AIDS in Toronto, Canada. A representative of that group is among those visiting La Crosse.

The visitors are staying with host families in the La Crosse area and will meet with health and community development experts in La Crosse and Madison. The delegation will also meet with volunteers from Friends of Chernobyl Centers, US in Madison, an organization dedicated to the continued support of those citizens in Northern Ukraine impacted by the Chernobyl disaster. The group will also visit Minneapolis to experience an American city.

During their three-week stay, the delegates will have three planning sessions in which they will discuss their experiences and brainstorm ideas that they will adapt for Ukraine.

For further information, please contact Jane Palen at 507-724-5188 or 507-951-8281; or Sandra McCormick, President and CEO of World Services, or Maureen Jameson, Operations Director, at 608-781-4194