Ukraine

As the second-largest country in Europe, the Ukraine is slightly smaller than Texas. On the western border, you'll find extensive mountains, a Mediterranean climate in the south and more plains toward the east. The Ukraine has an extensive history dealing with eras of severe famine, communist repression and, more recently, a nuclear reactor accident affecting much of Eastern Europe. Education is very important in Ukraine: kids must attend school through middle school and some will continue on to high school and then to university. Some will work during the day and attend classes in the evening. Religious freedom began to be allowed in the late 1980s and, today, Christianity continues to be the dominant religion.

In 1994, Young Life began reaching teenagers in the Ukraine in a variety of ways. Sports ministries in local schools have a distinct presence, along with outreach to orphans, street kids, kids with disabilities and teen moms (through YoungLives). In 2004, local staff took on full leadership in the Ukraine. In Chernovsty, Young Life has developed a training center for local staff and volunteers to observe and participate in more established clubs.