KidsKonnectUkraine (KKU) is expanding its global impact with two major initiatives: the launch of UKnow: Bridging Worlds, Sharing Stories, a video podcast amplifying youth voices, and the growth of its Mobile Journalism Storytelling Workshops in both Ukraine and the United States.
UKnow: Bridging Worlds, Sharing Stories
Launching on March 5, 2025, UKnow is a student-driven video podcast connecting young storytellers from Ukraine and the U.S. Through collaboration, these students will produce compelling stories for a global audience to raise awareness of global issues. Supported by the University of Notre Dame and the Ukrainian Catholic University, the first episode premieres on March 5.
Expanding Mobile Journalism Storytelling Workshops
KKU has led several Mobile Journalism Storytelling Workshops in Ukraine, equipping students with smartphone reporting skills, and will hold a workshop at Notre Dame on Tuesday, March 4, 2025.
"Our mission is to empower young people to share their perspectives and build connections through journalism," said Kathleen Hessert, KKU founder. "By giving them the tools to tell their stories, we're helping shape a more globally informed and empathetic future."
Portage High School Students Explore Mobile Journalism at Notre Dame Workshop
Portage High School (PHS) media students will participate in the Mobile Journalism Storytelling Workshop at Notre Dame, led by award-winning producer and media tech founder Mick Reed and Portage native Len Clark, Ph.D. PHS students will learn how to identify and develop strong story ideas, apply proven best practices to enhance storytelling, and master the art of smartphone journalism for capturing high-quality visuals.
Tied to the 2025 Ukrainian Studies Conference
The storytelling workshop precedes the 2025 Ukrainian Studies Conference, "Revolutions of Hope: Resilience and Recovery in Ukraine," hosted by Notre Dame’s Nanovic Institute for European Studies and the Ukrainian Catholic University from March 6-8, 2025.
About KidsKonnectUkraine
KidsKonnectUkraine fosters cross-cultural understanding and empowers young voices by connecting Ukrainian and American youth (ages 12-21) through storytelling and journalism.
For more information, visit kidskonnectukraine.com.