Training for Rayon Administration Coordinators from 8 Oblasts Held in Vinnytska Oblast | Community Based Approach to Local Development | CBA

On 23-24 September a training for 35 Project coordinators from rayon state administrations of 8 oblasts, namely, Luhanska, Poltavska, Ivano-Frankivska, Lvivska, Ternopilska, Zhytomyrska, Volynska, and Rivnenska oblasts was held in Sarny town Rivnenska oblast.

Deputy head of Rayon State Administration Svitlana Usyk, and specialist of Economy Department of Sarny rayon state administration Mariya Tsytsyura who is a focal point from Sarnenska RSA participated in the training. International project manager Jaysingh Sah, community development specialists Volodymyr Sheyhus and Yugesh Pradhanang, and coordinators of Rivne oblast implementation unit Olga Kashevska and Volodymyr Filits were the trainers.

During the first part of the training its partcipants discussed existing local development problems and learnt about social mobilization and the community-based approach to local development on the example of world experience, studied the Project activities, its strategy and implementation condition. The participants visited also Ydrutsk village Dubrovytsky rayon Rivnenska oblast. Hereby, participants of the training managed to see the results of the community based approach use, communicate with local community that participated previously in UNDP Chernobyl Recovery and Development Programme.

The second day was dedicated to studying social and economic development of Sarnensky rayon, the guests watched films and slides to form clearer concept of Sarnensky rayon achievements in different spheres. Later the guests participated in practical classes on Role of rayon authorities in participatory approach strengthening (participatory planning and decision making – Local Development Forum).

During the meeting with the Project CBA team, head of rayon state administration Petro Rukher specified: ‘Value of the Project is that funds are allocated to active communities that do not fold their arms, but initiate activities, contribute to problems solving, take care of the work being done. At present there is a possibility to equip LHPs, schools and other important social objects. In a word, the Project is useful; it brings European values and standards of living, which is no less important. We are sure that opinion of local communities about the necessity of the CBA Project implementation will also change. All of this is provided by European Charter on Human Righs. So, it is possible that some time later our self-governed communities will create some kind of a Code of active and transparent cooperation with authorities; that they will search for donor funds for their development by themselves. But at present stage of the CBA Project implementation we have a motto: Don’t wait, act!
Meanwhile, local authorities and the CBA Project team will endeavour to help communities make first and possibly the most difficult steps. There are many activities to be done. These organizations will be created not only for participation in the CBA Project, but for all the next projects, which the communities can take part in. In general, newly created civil society organizations will represent the community interests that should be solved for certain. It is real, so it is necessary to labour to support these civil society organizations, communities and to help with their further self-governance.’
When Petro Rukher finished his speech, he thanked the training organizers and guests, wished them fruitful cooperation and the main Project aim achievement.