A two-day training course entitled ‘Transition from a project-based to a programme-based approach’ was held in Mykolaiv, where representatives of nine communities in the region learned how to develop projects, set priorities and combine initiatives into long-term development programmes.
Over the course of two days, participants learned to formulate their own ideas and turn them into logical project proposals; analyse the needs of residents and identify development priorities; work with a programmatic approach, combining several initiatives into a single system; and use innovative management tools such as design thinking, flexible methodologies, and digital services.
During practical exercises, participants presented projects in the areas of ecology, creating barrier-free spaces, helping people in difficult life circumstances, and improving safety in communities.
Some of them had previous experience in project preparation and sought to improve their skills, while for others it was their first step into the field of community development.
Photo: NGO “Adult Training and Education Center “Pivden”
At the end of the training, participants presented their own projects — ideas that they had developed and refined during the training. They had the opportunity to ask the trainers clarifying questions and consult on their own projects to make them more competitive.
“Community representatives learned to think strategically — not just to write individual projects, but to see the big picture of development. This allows for more effective use of resources, bringing partners together and achieving tangible results. We saw that the participants had many strong ideas, and now they know how to implement them systematically,” said Natallia Yevloieva, manager of the Mykolaiv Development Agency.
Natallia Yevloieva. Photo: NGO “Adult Training and Education Center “Pivden”
The events are part of the project ‘Network of Working Groups on Public Safety and Social Cohesion,’ implemented by the NGO “Adult Training and Education Center “Pivden” with the assistance of UNDP Ukraine and financial support from the Government of Denmark. The project partner is the Municipal Agency for Development of Mykolaiv.
