Impact Story
Supporting Youth Success in Hungary, Romania, and Spain
Helping youth unlock potential and build brighter futures through education and opportunity.
Global Reach
Europe and the Middle East
Overview
Across the Europe and Middle East region, 2.85 million people under the age of 25 are out of work. For more than 30 years, United Way has partnered with communities across nine countries to help change this trajectory by helping thousands of young people complete their education and build the skills and confidence to thrive in the job market. Local United Ways are mobilizing businesses, nongovernmental organizations, and governments to expand these efforts and support young people as they prepare for and enter the workforce.
Europe and the Middle East Impact
We create opportunities for change in Europe and the Middle East.
500K
individuals supported across Europe and the Middle East
155K
youth provided with mentorship, education, and career readiness support
40K+
volunteering hours collaborating with corporate partners
Stories Across Europe and the Middle East
Press Release
One Young World and United Way Worldwide partner to equip young leaders driving global community impact
United Way and One Young World join forces to empower young leaders and drive global change through collaboration and shared purpose.
Impact Stories
Cycling for Mental Health: August's Story
After the suicide of a close friend, 17-year-old August Bent cycled around The Netherlands to elevate the issue and raise money for mental health. As he went through the grieving process, he realized his bicycle was a way to support others who were struggling with depression.
Impact Stories
Coaching Youth To Success
Called Alliance Pour l'Education (Alliance for Education)-United Way, the organization is building a coalition of employers, educators, government, NGOs, and philanthropists to serve young people in working-class neighborhoods.
Impact Stories
Boosting Childhood Literacy
That’s why United Way started its Reading Oasis program, to address early childhood literacy challenges and give more children the opportunity to develop a love for reading. This positively affects children's ability and potential throughout school and beyond.
Impact Stories
Leading Digital Equality for Refugees and the Elderly
During the pandemic, the loneliness and social isolation of seniors doubled, while refugees and youth were the first to lose employment opportunities. Simultaneously, the adoption of technology increased dramatically, and the desire to keep in touch with our loved ones became a matter of primary necessity. The United Way network in Germany, Israel, the Netherlands, Romania, Spain and the UK are using technology to connect refugees, migrants, vulnerable youth or people with COVID-19-related mental health issues with lonely seniors.
4.5K
children across the UK served through The Reading Oasis
United Way UK’s Reading Oasis installs libraries in underserved schools and provides books for children to take home. The initiative has reached 4,500+ kids across 20+ schools. At Nightingale Primary, reading proficiency jumped from 60% to 93%, fostering lifelong literacy and opportunity.
How You Can Help
Take the next step to support thriving communities. Your gift now or in the future, or the gift of your time, are valuable contributions to our shared mission.