Veterans' spaces and solar panels for educational institutions: 7 communities to raise over UAH 11.5 million for their own projects with MHP support
Kyiv • UNN
The winners of the Growing Together with MHP competition have been announced. Seven communities are implementing projects on energy efficiency, veterans' reintegration and youth sports development for a total of over UAH 11.4 million.
Energy-independent educational institutions, multifunctional spaces for veterans, and modern outdoor sports space for young people - communities in Kyiv, Cherkasy, Vinnytsia, and Sumy regions are implementing 7 projects as part of the pilot competition "Growing Up with MHP".
Details
On November 9, the winners of the competition announced by MHP and the MHP for Communities Charitable Foundation together with Mariupol State University as part of the Leadership School for Community Representatives "My Community and MHP: Growing Together" training program.
During June-November 2024, more than 40 community leaders, council secretaries, starostas, and deputies learned to work effectively in a team, created grant projects, and improved their professional skills. During the second stage of the Leadership School, participants wrote their own grant applications. Throughout Stage , the participants were accompanied by project mentors. The result of the training was the announcement of the results of the competition, in which participants had the opportunity to raise from UAH 500,000 to UAH 1,000,000 for their projects.
Cooperation between business, government, and communities should be strategic and aimed at a long-term sustainable effect. Investments in training and professional development provide a strong foundation for regional development, so MHP, together with its strategic partner MHP for Communities, traditionally pays attention to training for participants when announcing grant projects and social initiatives. We are ready to share our expertise and engage experienced experts in community development and project management, as well as encourage and support those community leaders or their institutions, and proactive citizens who want to contribute to qualitative change. Therefore, as part of the School of Leaders, we have announced a competition that will help participants implement projects not only theoretically but also practically
"Our higher education institution, in cooperation with the MHP for Communities Foundation and MHP, has launched the School of Leaders to strengthen the professional development of community representatives. Our joint efforts have shown how important and in-demand such support is. We are pleased that our cooperation will help communities implement specific projects that will improve services on the ground, making communities safer and more efficient," said Tetiana Marena, Vice-Rector for Scientific and Pedagogical Work of the Mariupol State University.
The competition committee received 19 projects for a total funding amount of almost UAH 40 million. Among them, 7 teams received the highest marks, implementing initiatives worth more than UAH 11.4 million in their communities, of which more than UAH 5.2 million is the grant contribution of the MHP for Community Foundation.
All of the winning community projects will be implemented throughout 2025. Three of them are related to energy efficiency, three provide spaces for the reintegration of veterans, and one is a sports space for the physical development of young people.
The project of the Baryshivka community "Light Learning" involves the installation of a solar power plant on the roof of the Mriya Extracurricular Activity Center, where more than 1000 students from clubs, studios, and sections from all over the community and students of the local lyceum study. The energy-saving equipment will not only help save the institution's costs, but will also ensure the educational process during power outages.
Total project budget: UAH 1.9 million
The project of the Kaniv community "Resilience Center" envisages the creation of a veterans' space where specialists will provide veterans, military personnel and their families with psychosocial support that will facilitate their adaptation to civilian life and integration into the community. The project will be implemented by the team of the executive committee of the Kaniv City Council in cooperation with the Ministry of Social Policy as part of the All-Ukrainian Mental Health Program "Are You OK?" by Olena Zelenska.
Total project budget: UAH 1.4 million
The "Source of Life" project of the Tarashchyna community involves the installation of a 30 kW hybrid solar power plant at the local water utility's station. This will provide uninterrupted water supply to more than 2000 families and 101 organizations in Tarashchyna.
Total project budget: almost UAH 1.5 million
The project of the Myronivska community "Veteran Pro" envisages the creation of a multifunctional veteran space for veterans and their families, which will ensure the reintegration of the military into civilian life by providing psychological, social and legal assistance, as well as professional adaptation. The space will provide specialized consultations, self-help groups, trainings, and leisure activities for veterans.
Total project budget: almost UAH 2.4 million
The project "Safe Stops: Solar Energy for Bobrytska Community", which will install solar street lighting at 18 bus stops in 5 settlements, will help improve energy efficiency and safety in the community.
Total project budget: almost UAH 1.1 million
The project of the Bershad community "Svoi to Svoi for Svoi" envisages the creation of a veterans' space "Svoi" in the village of Balanivka, which will be equipped with a gym for physical rehabilitation and sports, a public workshop, and a lounge area for recreation and group activities. After returning to the veterans' space, the defenders will be able to undergo physiotherapy with a rehabilitation doctor, consult a psychologist, lawyer, and participate in group activities that will contribute to their physical, psychological and social rehabilitation.
Total project budget: almost UAH 1.5 million
The project of the Khmeliv community "Cossack Hardening" involves the creation of a modern youth sports space with 15 modern outdoor exercise equipment for young people.
Total project budget: almost UAH 1.4 million
