Since its very amalgamation the municipality of Dashiv has become a tight-knit family. The full-scale invasion of Russia only strengthened this bond, because by combining the efforts of the locals and the assistance of the U-LEAD with Europe Programme, the municipality was able to survive the most difficult months of 2022 with dignity.

Svitlana Voichenko, Secretary of the Settlement Council, talks about the challenges faced by the municipality and how they managed to overcome them.

Svitlana Voichenko, Secretary of Dashiv Settlement Council

“We did not turn our backs on a single person”

Until the last moment, I refused to believe that there would be a full-scale invasion; I reassured everyone in hopes that it was all just empty talk that wouldn’t escalate to affect us. But on February 24, I realised that we had to act swiftly. In the first weeks, thousands of those who evacuated to safer regions passed through our municipality. People from the Kyiv, Kharkiv, Donetsk, Zaporizhzhia, Mykolaiv and Kherson regions. We did not turn our backs on a single person. Everyone was involved as much as possible, both our municipal structures and the population.

At first, large shelters were set up in public facilities such as kindergartens and schools. People could rest, recover and get going. We helped those who stayed longer or planned to stay permanently to find private housing. Locals who had empty properties housed people free of charge, people opened their homes to IDPs. We established very good communication within the municipality and were able to provide the timely help. All our cooks volunteered almost around the clock. It was challenging, but we rallied and did everything we could.

When the first wave passed, we realised that we needed to seek help. So we started contacting charitable foundations and NGOs that regularly help in the humanitarian sector.

Invincibility point in Dashiv municipality

“It was thanks to U-LEAD with Europe that we survived this long cold winter without big hardships”

We have been cooperating with the U-LEAD with Europe Programme for quite some time. Thanks to the ongoing support of its experts, three years ago we opened a modern Administrative Service Centre and came up with a strategy for the development of the Dashiv municipality until 2030. Furthermore, the employees of our local self-governing body undergo monthly training with the support of U-LEAD.

In the summer of last year, we learned that the Programme has somewhat refocused to help municipalities that host internally displaced persons. So, without undue delay, we sent an appeal and soon received two aid packages, Shelter and Lighting. They included beds, tents, blankets, hygiene products, water tanks and chainsaws to stock up on firewood. The best part is that we received a powerful street light and generators back then in the summer. At that time, we didn’t even think that all this might come in handy. Eventually, of course, we realised how valuable and important it was to get the Lighting package. In fact, it was thanks to U-LEAD with Europe that we survived this long cold winter without big hardships.

Schoolchildren were coming to the invincibility point, as if to school, and university students passed their exam session here

“A Point of Invincibility equipped with a generator provides vital support to the municipality”

Our municipality was formed very recently, uniting twelve village councils and a population of more than 14,000. Since the beginning of the full-scale invasion of Russia, we have sheltered 3,000 IDPs. So, when the blackouts started, the municipality, same as, ultimately, all Ukrainians, faced new challenges: providing electricity and heating to the homes of the people of Dashiv as well as to educational and public facilities. Thanks to the generators received from U-LEAD with Europe, we managed to do this.

First of all, we ensured the smooth operation of the village council and the Administrative Service Centre. After all, they provide reference information services and issue dozens of types of certificates. We were able to register all IDPs on time and arrange financial assistance for them.

A Point of Invincibility equipped with a generator provided vital support to the municipality. In addition to the fact that everyone could come at any time to recharge their phones and drink hot tea or coffee, our Point of Invincibility basically turned into an educational hub. While in their day-to-day life, people got used to power outages, teachers held lessons there according to their schedules. School kids came to the Point of Invincibility as if it was their school, and university students passed their exams there.

The generator in the Social Service Centre that hosts internally displaced persons, people with disabilities and the elderly ensures uninterrupted operation of the kitchen, laundry, boilers, etc.

We have a generator installed as part of the water supply system and another one in the Centre for the Provision of Social Services that houses IDPs, people with disabilities and the elderly. 

One of the generators also ensures operation of the local Administrative Service Centre during power outages

“Having lights on in this darkest winter hour kept people from giving up hope”

As of today, we have 670 internally displaced persons residing here. There were many people from the Kyiv region who had already returned home.

Those who remained are people left with virtually nothing. People from the Donetsk, Kherson and Zaporizhzhia regions. They have nowhere to return. But let’s end on a lighter note. Many DPs have already bought houses and even found jobs; they work in our school and our hospital. Obviously, this is a rural area, there is not much work, not enough even for those who have always lived here. However, those IDPs who were motivated, had relevant experience and qualifications were able to find their place.

Thanks to U-LEAD with Europe, we were able to provide tangible support to our municipality and those who came to us because of the war. After all, having lights on in this darkest winter hour kept people from giving up hope; they had warmth not only in their homes, but also, hopefully, in their hearts.