Minnesota nonprofit hosts Ukrainian teens for leadership program amid war [Video]

OAKDALE, Minn. (FOX 9) – Sixteen Ukrainian teenagers are in Minnesota for a four-week leadership summit, as local nonprofit Global Synergy Group hopes to shape future leaders who will one day rebuild the war-torn country.

Background

This is the third group to travel to Minnesota since the war started two and a half years ago, and many come from communities on the frontline. Organizers say the trip is a well-needed break from the atrocities of war and an opportunity to learn about business and democracy.

“We want to make sure we provide opportunities for them to see democracy in action so that when the war is over…people in Ukraine will have a different vision of what the rebuilding would look like,” said Global Synergy Group co-founder Irina Fursman.

The visit

During their visit, the group met with local business leaders, government organizations, and even the Bloomington Fire Department. Fursman says all of those experiences …