How participation in the “Iron Shift” project helped Junior Diplomatic Academy students grow

February 20, 2026

The Ukrzaliznytsia initiative “Iron Shift” united high-achieving teenagers in education, sports, arts, and creativity — young people who, despite losing opportunities due to Russian aggression, have remained determined to grow and contribute to Ukraine.

For Junior Diplomatic Academy students, taking part in the project was more than just a new experience — it was a meaningful step in building their future.

Collage workshop at Urban Camp Lviv
Photography by Violetta Lazko

Stage production “Twelfth Night, or What You Will”
Photography by Yeva Savchenko

Modern dance workshop
Filmed by Violetta Lazko

Performances by Junior Diplomatic Academy students following the modern dance workshop
Filmed by Violetta Lazko

Session on focus and smart time use
Photography by Violetta Lazko

Session on influencer culture by Kateryna Lozovytska
Photography by Violetta Lazko

Through the marketing sessions, students came to understand that communication today is a strategic tool of influence. They practiced identifying target audiences, shaping the purpose of content, understanding social media algorithms, and critically assessing their own work.

The meeting with media professionals offered a behind-the-scenes look at how television operates — from producing news segments to building credibility and trust with audiences.

Cultural studies lecture
Photography by Violetta Lazko

Session on unconventional careers
Photography by Violetta Lazko

Session introducing the Ukrainian Volunteer Service (UVS)
Photography by Violetta Lazko

The startup-focused learning block opened the door to entrepreneurship, guiding students from initial ideas to early-stage execution. It showed them how initiative and responsibility can evolve into tangible projects.

Medical and first aid sessions provided essential, life-saving skills — especially critical in wartime. Encounters with military personnel reinforced the value of freedom and highlighted the importance of inner strength and resilience.

Junior Diplomatic Academy students share their impressions of the “Iron Shift” experience

At the marketing session, Junior Diplomatic Academy students gained insight into the fundamentals of launching a successful blog. Through active discussions, they also learned what captures audience attention and what makes viewers move on.

— Ivan Kozlov, Junior Diplomatic Academy student, participant of Iron Shift

Ms. Varvara Herasymchuk presented marketing in a clear and easy-to-understand format, showing how to build or enhance a personal blog. She also covered how social media algorithms work.

— Uliana Kucheriava, Junior Diplomatic Academy student, participant of Iron Shift

“This was my first experience of a lecture in this format, and my impressions are incredibly varied — yet all of them are filled with genuine excitement...

…It’s rare to encounter a speaker of such high quality, and there’s still so much more to come…”

— Artem Satsiuk, Junior Diplomatic Academy student, participant of Iron Shift

Today, Junior Diplomatic Academy students participated in a state-building simulation game, where they applied their knowledge to design a better country for the common good. The activity strengthened their critical thinking and attention to detail.

During sessions with representatives of the 12th Azov Brigade, students learned about different types of drones and how they operate, practiced applying a tourniquet, and attended a lecture on weapon assembly and disassembly. Inspired by real stories of military service, they engaged in passionate debates — so engaging that they had to be stopped due to time limits.

The Iron Shift project allows Junior Diplomatic Academy students to put their knowledge into real practice.

— Ivan Kozlov, Junior Diplomatic Academy student, participant of Iron Shift

“The program is engaging, the Azov fighters were especially impressive, and Tactical Medicine was likely the most useful and exciting part of the day.”

— Andrii Bilous, Junior Diplomatic Academy student, participant of Iron Shift

“Today’s sessions with the Azov fighters from the 12th Brigade were incredibly engaging. We learned a lot, and the UAL program is truly impressive.”

— Andrii Zakharchuk, Junior Diplomatic Academy student, participant of Iron Shift

“Today’s program was very насыщена. We took part in a state-building simulation, which gave us a powerful experience in negotiations, debates, and real-world problem-solving. We also met fighters from the 12th Azov Brigade, who shared insights about drones, tactical medicine, and weapons.”

— Andrii Ovdienko, Junior Diplomatic Academy student, participant of Iron Shift

“It was extremely engaging, insightful, and useful.

What stood out most was the chance to hear real stories and advice from military personnel, especially Azov fighters. Their experience and honesty left a strong impression.

The program is truly inspiring and offers a wealth of new knowledge.”

— Artem Satsiuk, Junior Diplomatic Academy student, participant of Iron Shift

“Today’s session with Mr. Denys was great. We discussed future professions and how they are evolving, and he also shared his real-life experience of building his own projects and businesses.”

— Andrii Ovdienko, Junior Diplomatic Academy student, participant of Iron Shift

“I really enjoyed today’s sessions. The first lecture focused on professions and how artificial intelligence is shaping them today. We even had a practical exercise where we explored which jobs AI cannot replace, which made it especially engaging and informative.

The second lecture was more emotional and inspiring. Ms. Inna played the bandura, sang, and shared her personal story, encouraging us to stay true to ourselves and follow our passions.

It’s hard to choose which lecture was better — both were amazing in their own way!”

— Arina Tsapliuk, Junior Diplomatic Academy student, participant of Iron Shift

The project helped teenagers develop teamwork, active listening, mutual respect, and the ability to create shared rules of interaction. Strong communication skills are essential for both diplomats and leaders.

“Iron Shift” is about strengthening the inner core — bringing together culture, creativity, responsibility, resilience, and modern knowledge. It is through this combination that a generation emerges, capable not just of adapting to wartime challenges, but of turning them into opportunities for development.

Rita Kosyak, Head of the Kyiv Palace of Children and Youth project office, stated:
“Junior Diplomatic Academy students came back from the ‘Iron Shift’ project with fresh ideas, new connections, and a deeper realization that their voice truly matters. And ‘iron’ is not only in the name — it reflects the strength of their will. We are grateful to Ukrzaliznytsia for this unique initiative and collaboration.”

Київський Палац дітей та юнацтва

(063) 583-91-95

kpdu@ukr.net