The Winds of Change (WoC) Leadership Youth Group Program, initiated in May 2022 by Canadian and Ukrainian educators, arose from a profound recognition of the importance of instilling leadership skills in Ukrainian children, akin to those experienced in North American Student Councils. Over the initial months, WoC focused on nurturing fundamental skills such as communication, organization, collaboration, and conducting Needs Analysis. Integral to the program were opportunities for students to present reports on topics of their choice, fostering both autonomy and expression.
Since mid-2023, the WoC family has expanded to encompass students from Myanmar, Afghanistan, and Canada, embodying a spirit of unity and support. Currently engaged in three dynamic projects—writing a book, launching a YouTube channel, and producing a Podcast titled “Over the Globe”—these young leaders exemplify resilience and creativity.
Voices of the Wind was launched in the summer of 2025. Each week, members meet with one of our four teen teachers to practice speaking and discuss topics ranging from travel, fashion, and food to education and leadership. The Podcast serves as a platform for interviewing teenagers from war-affected countries living in exile or in their home countries, amplifying their voices and experiences.
The remarkable endeavors of these young students underscore a powerful truth: when provided with opportunities and encouragement, youth possess the drive and commitment to effect meaningful change. WoC stands as a testament to the transformative potential of youth leadership, transcending borders and empowering voices across the globe.
Presently, their work which appears in their book titled, Amaze, is being showcased at the Hoping Against Hope exhibition at Monash University in Melbourne, Australia.The A(maze) book began with a simple idea back in 2022: an invitation to write, reflect, and explore what lives inside the mind when the world feels overwhelming.
A(maze) soon grew into an extraordinary collection of reflections, stories, poems, and inner journeys written by 11 teenagers from Afghanistan, Myanmar, and Ukraine – young people whose lives have been shaped by conflict, displacement, uncertainty, and resilience. Some of these writers are living in exile, separated from their homes and familiar worlds. Others remain in their home countries, continuing to learn, dream, and create while surrounded by instability and fear.
The first draft took nearly two years to complete, and the process was far from easy. Coordinating meetings across time zones was already challenging, but at times, some participants also had to step back for safety reasons. The editing process was no easier: it lasted more than half a year and involved long conversations, careful revisions, and countless corrections.
However, the Winds of Change group managed to overcome all of these obstacles and is now working on designing the cover and preparing the book for printing and publication on Amazon.
Impact Metrics
Podcasts In 2025
Metrics
This podcast allows CWW students from around the globe to discuss issues affecting teenagers from conflict zones
50 podcasts were recorded with 50 students
Episode 100: “echoes of war across time and space” aims to identify the common themes and trends that have emerged throughout all 99 previous episodes.
Videos in 2024
Metrics
The YouTube videos allow all the CWW students to express themselves and develop skills
10 videos were created with participation from Afghanistan, Ukraine, Myanmar, Peru
Volunteers Speak
“I was drawn to volunteer by the idea of providing quality lessons to students whose education was interrupted by war or political unrest. Being a passionate educator with years of teaching experience in Canadian schools, it was my chance to help in my area of expertise. It was an opportunity to make a difference in the lives of children and youth around the world.
Since I started my volunteer work in April of 2022, I have taught and presented workshops to Ukrainian children and teachers. Their curiosity to learn in unfortunate circumstances is inspiring. I always look forward to seeing curious faces and meeting kids and teachers who demonstrate perseverance and optimism. They show initiative to participate and engage in lessons despite broken microphones, sirens, and blackouts. They model strength and resilience, and I am fortunate to work with them. I am grateful that they always show up.
I continue to learn and improve my teaching practices: virtually and using trauma informed approaches while creating welcoming and engaging lessons. I am being rewarded with a clear vision for the world, enjoyment of my work, privilege to watch eager learners and confidence that I am supporting those in need.”
~Svitalana S.
