The project "Speak Up, Veteran" in Zaporizhzhia brought together schoolchildren and veterans for a straight talking.

In Zaporizhzhia, at the Unbreakable Hub, a frank meeting of schoolchildren and veterans took place as part of a dialogue aimed at better mutual understanding and adaptation of the military to civilian life. The participants talked about the experience of the war, communication after the front, and the importance of support.

The event was held as part of the "Speak Up, Veteran" project, which is implemented by the Non-Governmental Organization "Zaporizhzhia. Platform for Joint Action" with financial support from Metinvest Group and Zaporizhstal. 

Director of NGO "Zaporizhzhia. Platform for Joint Actions" Dmytro KHALILOV said that such meetings have practical value, because they help society learn correct and attentive communication with veterans.

According to him, it is not only about communication, but also about understanding the boundaries, topics for conversation and ways to support people returning from the front:

"Such meetings help to understand how to communicate correctly, what topics are better not to talk or talk about, how to help our veterans reintegrate into ordinary, civilian life."

He also noted that the project already has an expanded geography and is actively developing: 

"Our project is implemented in three cities: Zaporizhzhia, Kryvyi Rih and Kamianske... In Zaporizhzhia, for example, this is the 13th event."

The Regional Coordinator of the All-Ukrainian Mental Health Program "How Are You?" Serhii DRUZHYNIN emphasized that the main value of such meetings is in a live dialogue between people who have different life experiences but need mutual understanding. 

"It is important to teach people to talk to each other, find common ground and give veterans the opportunity to say how they feel and how they see it. It is important that this is not a one-sided process, but a real exchange of experience and feelings, which helps to better understand each other," says Serhii DRUZHYNIN.

Among the speakers of the event was veteran Yuliia PRUS, who has served as a shooter since 2022, and has now returned to civilian life and works at Zaporizhstal.

She said that for her the experience of service and current work are united by one common feature – responsibility and attitude to a matter through the result: 

"Our project is implemented in three cities: Zaporizhzhia, Kryvyi Rih and Kamianske... In Zaporizhzhia, for example, this is the 13th event.  I have a lot of respect at the plant. People treat me very well because, whether at war or here, I prove myself through my actions. I’m used to working honestly and responsibly, and that’s probably the main thing that guides me even now."

Yuliia also shared her impressions of talking to the schoolchildren, noting their interest and sincerity in the conversation:

"They’re doing a great job; they’re asking the right questions, and it’s clear that they genuinely care about understanding what’s happening and how it all feels.” 

The schoolchildren shared their thoughts with the defenders, noting that young people are becoming more aware, and that such meetings are extremely important for intergenerational understanding and for supporting veterans.

Kateryna PLIHUZOVA, pupil of the 11th form, said that this wasn’t the first time she had taken part in such events, but that she discovers something new every time. She also emphasised the importance of such initiatives for society and for the reintegration of military personnel: 

"I just want veterans to realise that young people are becoming more and more aware every day that these kinds of meetings are taking place. I’m really pleased that Zaporizhzhia is so well-equipped for this kind of integration, and that we have projects like this, because it’s so important."

Separately, the young woman shared a personal story, as her father is currently defending Ukraine on the front line. She admits that she hardly ever sees him, but is constantly waiting for him to return home: 

"I’ve only seen him once in the last year and a half. I’m really looking forward to seeing him. So, when I see soldiers, I realise that they have families too, and they also want someone to hug them or give them a call. I love my dad very much and am waiting for him to come home."

As the organisers note, the "Speak Up, Veteran" project is not just a series of meetings, but a comprehensive initiative. 

The "Speak Up, Veteran" initiative was launched in Zaporizhzhia in 2024 by NGO "Zaporizhzhia. Platform for Joint Action" with support from Metinvest Group and Zaporizhstal. The goal of the project is to create a space for dialogue, support and assistance for veterans and their families upon their return from the front.