“The war sets its own priorities, but it has not changed my main desire – to live in Ukraine and contribute to its development. I sincerely believe we can build a progressive state and make Ukraine one of the world’s most influential countries. Toward that goal, we go on studying, working, and building our Ukraine” – Anastasia Kalinivska.

Anastasia is a student at Taras Shevchenko Kyiv National University. She is also one of several participants in an internship program at the Integrity Building Office of the National Agency on Corruption Prevention (NACP). Anastasia decided to participate in the internship despite the massive disruption caused by Russia’s full-scale war against Ukraine. In fact, the experience of hearing air raid sirens and hiding in bomb shelters increased her motivation to contribute both to Ukraine’s victory and to its future as a thriving democracy.

“The war changed our lives tremendously but participating in the internship allowed me to continue my professional development even when we worked from bomb shelters,” recalls Anastasia. “Our contribution to NACP activities was meaningful – we used creativity and new approaches to improve the agency’s ongoing work. Now I have a better understanding of how state bodies function, especially in the anti-corruption sphere. I now imagine a career in public service.”

The internship program is a result of partnership between the NACP, the International Foundation for Electoral System (IFES), USAID and Global Affairs Canada. It is available to students and alumni of the “Democracy: From Theory to Practice” course developed by IFES with donor support. The course is offered at 46 universities across Ukraine to help young people gain knowledge and practical experience to contribute to Ukraine’s democratic development.

As Ukraine effectively resists Russia’s aggression, the course is preparing the next generation of leaders to advance reforms and continue building democratic institutions after the war. Institutions like the NACP, which is also cultivating a network of young civil servants dedicated to transparent and accountable governance. Anastasia is one of many young people across Ukraine dedicated to building Ukraine’s future through a career in public service.