On November 12, the League of Communities course — an intensive training course for heads of towns and villages — ended. 26 leaders took part in it.

Graduates received certificates and returned to their communities with new knowledge and experience.

In addition to certificates, the participants were presented with plates with the development strategies, which they developed during the course. This is not a document of a thousand characters. Just one sentence, in which mayors contained the peculiarity of their community and the vector of actions. Because actions speak much louder than words.

The training participants are happy to be able to gather together in a warm atmosphere, after difficult periods associated with the Covid pandemic and a full-scale invasion.

Community leaders developed their soft skills: in particular, in creating their own brand, communications with voters, and time management. They also gained experience working with the National Security Council and the National Prevention of Corruption Agency.

“We don’t just support the course – we invest in you. You, as the mayor, should work successfully and efficiently in all possible directions of your work. I want you to save this drive you got here. Remember that there are people behind you and that we are always ready to help you,” Viktor Liakh, the President of East European Foundation, emphasized.

Silvan Hungerbühler, the Deputy Head of the Cooperation Department of the Embassy of Switzerland in Ukraine, also came to congratulate the graduates.

“Switzerland supports the potential of local self-government in Ukraine. Your role is very important, because you are the closest to the citizens and their needs”, — said Silvan.

The League of Communities course was held with the support of the EGAP Program, implemented by East European Foundation and financed by Switzerland. Created by the Association of Small Cities of Ukraine together with the Kyiv School of Public Administration named S. Nignogo. Course author Pavlo Kozyrev, the Chairman of the AMMU.