Woman and man sitting on a bench

From July 02 to 06, 2021, community-level online pitching took place in Semenivka village, Poltava Oblast, as part of the Strengthening Cross-Sectoral Collaboration for Social Cohesion (SC3) project.

Local pitching is a call for social action projects with the financial support of the European Commission and the British Council in co-financing with local governments.

Social Action Project - a project aimed at positive social change in the community.

Who could participate?

Active citizens who were planning a social action project for the development of their community and wanted to receive financial support for its implementation could take part in the pitching.

Details of participation in the competition at the community level (local pitching)

Residents of the Semenivka community from the age of 18 who had an idea to improve the life of the community, develop cooperation with local authorities to solve problems and achieve a common goal could participate in the local pitching.

All projects must be implemented by 07 December 2021. Reporting on implemented projects is provided until 07 January 2022.

What were the requirements for Social Action Projects (SAPs)?

The project must be based on generally accepted societal values, be well-planned and relate to local-global connections.

SAPs might also be aimed at:

  • strengthening of social cohesion in Ukraine;
  • creation and strengthening links between volunteers, local authorities, hospitals, businesses and other representatives of the social processes;
  • support for older people and promote inclusiveness (enhancing equal access to the community, including disabled people); 
  • contribution to the improvement of the environment;
  • promotion of youth development, popularization of active citizenship and leadership;
  • support of mental health of the community citizens in condition of social distancing;
  • promotion of the gender equality and ensuring equal rights and opportunities.

Here were some examples of ideas for social action projects:

  • Creative space: creation of creative elements and picturesque corners of improvement on city streets.
  • Carrying out activities to improve the health of young people, safe lifestyles and health culture among young people.
  • Ecological and tourist ideas: laying eco-trails, creating new tourist attractions, etc.
  • Creative initiatives: development of meaningful leisure of youth, youth events, activities, etc.
  • Ideas aimed at providing access to public and tourist facilities for disabled people.

Project budget:

Up to UAH 30,000 was provided for one social action project

The total pitching budget was UAH 300,000, of which:

  • UAH 150,000 is provided by the Semenivka village Council
  • UAH 150,000 is provided by the British Council in Ukraine

Local Pitching Organisers:

  • NGO «Strong Community»
  • Semenivka village Council
  • The British Council and the European Union, represented by the European Commission, in the framework of the Strengthening Cross-Sectoral Collaboration for Social Cohesion (SC3) project 

Winners of social actions projects competition in Semenivka, Poltava Oblast:

No Title Funding within the SC3 project Local authority support Other co-funding Aim of project
1 Smart gazebo 30,000.00 0.00 9,800.00 Construction of a "smart gazebo" to unite the community - gatherings of citizens, recreation, celebrations, dendrotherapy and aromatherapy, including retirees and people with disabilities, as well as people studying and researching the valuable collection of Kryvyi Rih Arboretum and local school students for lessons outdoors.
2 Green class 15,300.00 14,700.00 6,000.00 Arrangement of the territory in the fresh air for training of parents, computer literacy courses for villagers, organization of leisure for rural and student youth.
3 School of ort décor «FriendZone» 0.00 30,000.00 13,002.00 Establishment and opening of a school of tailoring and sewing for the residents of the Semenivka TC to teach and improve the skills of schoolchildren, youth and the elderly.

General information: 

Active Citizens is a social leadership programme that promotes intercultural dialogue and social responsibility. The programme is being implemented by the British Council in Ukraine since 2014. 

Organisations – national partners:  

  • Kherson Regional Charitable Fund ‘UNION’ 
  • Non-governmental organisation ‘Strong community’ 
  • Non-governmental organisation ‘Youth Platform’ 

The Strengthening Cross-Sectoral Collaboration for Social Cohesion (SC3) project is a 36-month project aimed at effectively addressing development challenges and opportunities at local level through improved cooperation between civil society organisations (CSOs) and local authorities (LAs) in Ukraine. It is funded by EU and the British Council, and delivered by the British Council working with three experienced (CSO) co-applicants and will operate across all of the Government-controlled areas (GCA) of Ukraine, including GCA Donetsk and Luhansk. 

European Union, represented by the European Commission

The British Council is the UK’s international organisation for cultural relations and educational opportunities, working with over 100 countries across the world.
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