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Canadian expert shared her impressions on the development and implantation
A group of experts from the Regional Governance and Development (RGD) project visited several rayons in Zakarpattya, from May 25 to 28, 2009, to learn how citizens of the oblast are involved in the implementation of the Regional Development Strategy and nine small projects in particular. The group, including Ann Szyptur; Canadian Expert on Civil Society Involvement; Mariana Kolodiy, Expert on Gender Issues; Svitlana Slava, Planning Expert; and Lyudmyla Hrytsak, Expert on Monitoring and Evaluation, visited Rakhiv, Vynohradiv, Berehovo, Mukachevo and Uzhgorod rayons.
Commenting on the general development of the projects, Ann Szyptur pointed to the considerable progress made: “Within six months, we can see significant progress in the teams work. Some of them already have a certain amount for funding, others are looking for investors. There are positive attempts in attracting international donors, because Zakarpattya borders with several countries of the European Union and many things planned in the projects have an international importance”. She was also extremely impressed at the level of youth engagement. The involvement of youth is a very positive experience as they have the opportunity to cultivate new skills and knowledge; it is also extremely beneficial to the projects as they become enriched with fresh perspectives. Additionally, based on discussions with each project team, it became clear to Ann that the most important aspect to the project implementation process is that project teams have a clear understanding and vision of their project goals.
During the visits, the importance of collaboration as a key component to the projects” success and sustainability became clear to Ann. For example, cooperation between RGD project experts and community representatives within the Project Management and Strategy Implementation Training Program gives the latter not only the opportunity to implement a specific project but also to develop required skills and expertise to establish similar projects in the future. Active engagement of local authorities to assist in project implementation, particularly city mayors and representatives of the Rayon State Administrator is also important. Further stressing the importance and need for collaboration, Ann emphasized the necessity to attract greater number of community members to the project implementation process, as each project reflects the real needs of towns and rayons in Zakarpattya: “Everyone can contribute to improvement of life in their own city or village. For example, if entrepreneurs can help financially, other citizens can cooperate as volunteers. Cooperation is very important. Together you can bring all plans to life.” Ann also noted that representatives of various nationalities, living in one territory, fruitfully cooperate with one another; this is successfully demonstrated by the European Home project.
The global economic crisis and its impacts in Ukraine was frequently a topic of discussion during the visits. Ann shared with the project teams the Canadian experience, underlining that the negative impact of the economic situation can also be felt in Canada. She has found that the situation has stimulated the search for new sources and create methods for financing community-needed projects. She mentioned that: “Apathy exists everywhere, so motivation for citizen engagement is important not only for Ukraine, but also worldwide. The winner is the one who understands that joint efforts can make the life in your own town or village more comfortable, more interesting”.
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