March 2024 marks the third anniversary of the USAID HOVERLA Activity. Initiated in 2021, the Activity has been instrumental in supporting the Government of Ukraine’s effort toward decentralization, aiding local governments throughout Ukraine in delivering high-quality services.

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Over the past three years, HOVERLA has partnered with 103 communities in 11 oblasts, the Ministry of Restoration, the Verkhovna Rada of Ukraine, other government bodies, international projects, and civil society.

 

Deputy Prime Minister - Minister of Restoration Oleksandr Kubrakov (left) and USAID HOVERLA Activity Chief of Party Gabriel Abraham (right)

 

 

The USAID HOVERLA Activity’s support focuses on three major objectives: effective legislation, capacity building for local governments, and citizen engagement in local decision-making. With the beginning of the full-scale invasion, HOVERLA significantly adjusted its support.

Talking about the key achievements of the project during these three years, it is important to look at the following numbers:

• 32 laws, 64 legislative briefers, and 140 local acts developed with HOVERLA’s assistance, including these two crucial pieces of legislation:
  • Law on Administrative and Territorial Structure of Ukraine, adopted in October 2023. It defined the procedures for creating, dissolving, and altering boundaries, as well as categorizing, naming, and renaming settlements; and
  • Draft Law on Cross-Border Cooperation, which unlocks the opportunities for international assistance, particularly for Ukraine’s postwar recovery and reconstruction.

 

Discussing Draft Law on Cross-Border Cooperation with community leaders

 

• 25,500 local officials trained to improve their capacities in local government, such as project management, budget optimization, local economic development, and asset and land management. 

• 51,000 items of equipment provided to partners, including backhoe loaders, generators, IT equipment, firefighting uniforms, firefighting and rescue gear, insulated tents, canteen equipment, and furniture. This support helps municipalities to improve service delivery, manage emergencies, and accommodate IDPs.

• 60+ communities supported to enhance their citizen and youth engagement, including training active youth groups in project management, establishing youth councils, and implementing youth internship programs.

 

A newly delivered backhoe excavator is clearing agricultural waste and debris in Izium City, Kharkiv Oblast

 

All these numbers comprise the inspiring stories of people whose lives have changed due to HOVERLA’s support. Stepan Kuvik started a career in local government after a successful internship. Roman Vaskovets joined the volunteer firefighting brigade and was a first responder after the missile strike on the community. Tetiana Potapova continued to educate children online, integrating into a new community after escaping occupation.

On the other hand, Poliana community sheltered thousands of IDPs, Artsyz maintained service provision despite the destruction of energy facilities, and Trostianets community is rising above the rubble of war. All these stories represent the tangible results that HOVERLA achieved through tireless efforts and hard work.

 

Fire brigade volunteer Roman Vaskovets is wearing firefighting equipment provided by the USAID HOVERLA Activity

 

Gabriel Abraham, the USAID HOVERLA Activity Chief of Party, reflects on the Activity’s  accomplishments:

“Our collective efforts have yielded tangible results that have positively impacted the lives of many. Looking ahead, I am filled with optimism and excitement. With such a talented and dedicated team and partners, I am confident that we will continue to achieve even greater milestones and reach new heights of success. Let's build on the momentum of the past three years and propel HOVERLA toward even greater heights together.”

The USAID HOVERLA Activity continues to work daily to improve the lives of Ukrainians and help local government reach the most ambitious goals.

 

USAID HOVERLA Activity team speaks with community officials of Sumy, Chernihiv, Mykolaiv and Kharkiv Oblasts to learn more about their concerns