Building bridges between youth in Espoo and Ukraine

This article series presents cases of innovations built here in Espoo that strive for a better tomorrow for all.

The devastating war in Ukraine has sparked waves of solidarity in Finland. Following an introduction by the Ukrainian Ambassador, Espoo and the Ukrainian city of Kryvyi Rih have developed a strong and concrete partnership. A Memorandum of Understanding to mark this partnership was signed on Europe Day in 2023.

Starting in autumn 2022, all upper secondary schools in Espoo were paired with twin schools in Kryvyi Rih, expanding also to vocational schools and universities. Aalto University, Metropolia University of Applied Sciences, and city-owned VET-provider Omnia have been involved in promoting educational cooperation on subjects such as digitalization, mobility, and pedagogical development. In 2023, Espoo donated 500 computers and sent school furniture to Kryvyi Rih. Espoo schools have also organized their own collections to support Ukrainians.

In addition, Espoo’s culture department has promoted collaboration with Kryvyi Rih and organizing art and culture activities for Ukrainian refugees. For example, in 2023, a multidisciplinary group of young musicians from Kryvyi Rih called Krok, performed in Espoo several times. In 2024 Kryvyi Rih Junior Big Band, along with colleagues from the Kryvyi Rih culture department, were invited to Espoo to participate in Espoo’s annual April Jazz festival.

Espoo has also participated in two Eurocities-network projects connecting Ukrainian cities with EU cities on themes of sustainable development and rebuilding. Youth participation and empowerment have been central messages from Espoo. In addition, Espoo participated in the collaboration effort between the European Parliament and Eurocities to collect generators to Ukraine (Generators for Hope).