ETHNOCULTURAL IDENTITY FORMATION OF YOUNG PEOPLE THROUGH THE ACTIVITIES OF NATIONALLY-ORIENTED YOUTH ORGANIZATIONS IN THE WESTERN UKRAINIAN DIASPORA

Abstract

The relevance of the study is determined by the need to preserve and develop the ethnocultural identity of young people. Youth civic organizations of national orientation serve as an important tool for consolidating Ukrainian communities abroad and ensure the formation of national consciousness, patriotism, and spiritual unity of the younger generation. The purpose of the article is to identify the role of youth organizations of national orientation within the Western Ukrainian diaspora in the process of ethnocultural identification of young people, as well as to determine their influence on the preservation of national traditions, language, and cultural values in the emigrant environment. The research methodology is based on a combination of historical-pedagogical and retrospective analysis, which made it possible to reveal the specific features of the educational work of diaspora organizations and trace the dynamics of their influence on the formation of national self-awareness. A structural-functional approach was also applied, which helped to identify the mechanisms of cultural tradition preservation and the ways of integrating young people into the ethnic environment. Results. The study proves that youth organizations of the Ukrainian diaspora played a key role in preserving the cultural identity of younger generations. They created an environment aimed at maintaining ethnic unity, transmitting cultural heritage, and fostering a sense of belonging to the Ukrainian community. Special attention was devoted to patriotic education, the study of history, literature, traditions, and customs, as well as the development of civic activity. The activities of such organizations helped to resist assimilation processes that were typical of the multiethnic environment of host countries. Conclusions. The findings confirm that youth organizations of national orientation in the Western Ukrainian diaspora became a powerful instrument of ethnocultural identification of young people. They ensured generational continuity, the preservation of family and spiritual values, as well as the formation of an active civic position. The practical significance of the obtained results lies in the possibility of applying the experience of diaspora organizations in modern Ukrainian educational programs aimed at preserving national identity and fostering patriotism among young people.