Project Oxygen (O2) Applications for Rome 2026 are Now Open.

Young Voices.
Real Connections. No Borders.

KidsKonnectUkraine gives youth the platform, the tools, and the community to reach across the world and build something that matters.

Why This Work Matters

Millions of Ukrainian youth have had their daily lives reshaped by conflict. School looks different. Friendships have been disrupted. At the same time, American and international teens are growing up in a world that feels more connected than ever but often lacks real, meaningful relationships that build empathy.

KidsKonnectUkraine exists in that gap. Ukrainian youth gain a global community that sees them as the talented, creative, ambitious people they are. American and international teens gain perspective and friendships that change how they see the world. Together, they build something neither could create alone.

How We Work

Digital-First Connection

Our programs live on digital platforms because great friendships should not depend on geography. A teen in Lviv and a student in Charlotte sit in the same virtual room, sharing ideas and discovering they have more in common than anyone expected.

Youth-Led Storytelling

The best stories about what youth are experiencing come from youth themselves. Through mobile journalism and the UKnow Channel, our participants develop real media skills while creating content that carries their voices globally.

Cross-Cultural Exchange

Every program is designed to build real relationships, not just awareness. Participants collaborate on creative projects and discover that empathy is not a concept. It is a person with a name, a favorite song, and a story worth hearing.

Global Leadership Development

From Student Ambassadors driving outreach to 40 teens converging on Rome for Project Oxygen (O2), we hand youth real leadership roles with real stakes. Youth do not sit in the audience. They run the show.

Where We Are

KidsKonnectUkraine connects students, educators, and organizations across Ukraine, the United States, and growing communities throughout Europe.

Our Partners

Frequently asked questions

KidsKonnectUkraine is a nonprofit organization that connects Ukrainian, American, and other youth around world through digital programs, creative storytelling, and youth-led initiatives. We build cross-cultural friendships and develop the next generation of global leaders by giving youth the platform to share their voices, collaborate across borders, and grow together.

We use video platforms, collaborative channels, social media, and storytelling tools to bring Ukrainian and international youth together regardless of where they live. Our digital-first approach means a teenager in Kyiv can be in the same program as a student in Chicago, working on the same project and building a real friendship.

We place youth at the center of everything as storytellers, creators, and leaders. Our focus is peer-to-peer connections, giving young people agency and a global platform to share their perspectives and build relationships that transcend borders.

Yes. We partner with schools, universities, and educational organizations, including Ukrainian Catholic University and the University of Notre Dame. Educators and institutions interested in collaboration can reach out through our Contact page.

Our programs serve young people of various ages, with most initiatives designed for participants between 13 and 18. The KKU Initiatives page has details on individual programs and eligibility.

KidsKonnectUkraine operates as a program of MoveUkraine. U.S. donations are processed through Applied Hope Foundation, a registered 501(c)(3) organization, ensuring all contributions are tax-deductible.