On 24 August, THE YOUTH by FNT in Bucharest opened its doors to a day full of talent, hope, and community. To mark Ukraine’s Independence Day, we had the honour of hosting “Wings of Ukraine,” a talent concert organised by MALVA – Ukrainian Community Based Organisation, a celebration that filled the space with music, colour, and emotion.
Through music, dance, singing, poetry, and other artistic performances, the event highlighted the resilience, strength, and hope of young people in the face of challenges. It was far more than a concert: it was a moment of coming together, of remembering, and of looking to the future with courage.
One of the most beautiful things about the day was who it brought together. “Wings of Ukraine” united Ukrainian, Romanian, and other international communities in one shared space, creating an environment where young people could share their talents, their experiences, and their cultures. In a time marked by difficulty, the event stood as a reminder of how much we gain when we open our doors to one another.
More than a celebration, the concert set out to inspire solidarity, mutual understanding, and community support, showing how creativity and art can help young people overcome challenges, build confidence, and look toward the future with hope. And that spirit was felt in every performance, every round of applause, and every conversation shared throughout the day.
As hosts, we were delighted not only to welcome the event into our space, but also to be part of it with our own stand. There, we shared the opportunities we offer to young Ukrainians and explained how we work with and for the Ukrainian community, from language courses and consultations, to activities that help young people feel welcome, supported, and part of a community in their new home.
For us, days like this are exactly what THE YOUTH is meant to be: a safe, open space where young people from every background can meet, express themselves, and build a genuine sense of belonging. Being able to contribute to a celebration this meaningful, right in our own youth centre, was a true privilege.
A heartfelt thank-you to MALVA – Ukrainian Community Based Organisation for organising such a beautiful event, to every young person who took the stage and shared their talent, and to everyone who joined us and filled the day with warmth. “Wings of Ukraine” was a powerful reminder that, even in the hardest of times, art, community, and solidarity can help us rise, together.
The project “Pathways to Belonging” (EU-UKR-PB) is co-funded by the European Union through the European Solidarity Corps programme.