On March 28, the final event of the educational program “IMPACT. Zhytomyr” took place in Zhytomyr, marking the completion of the training for representatives from the local communities in the region. During the event, certificates were awarded to participants who successfully completed the project management course.

The event was attended by distinguished guests, including representatives from the Estonian Centre for International Development (ESTDEV): Executive Director Klen Yaarats, Head of Cooperation and Development in Ukraine, Margus Hering, and Operations Manager Andrea Kivi. Experts from Civitta Ukraine and the University of Tartu also participated in the event.

The IMPACT-Zhytomyr program began in November 2024 and brought together over 280 participants from 65 communities in the Zhytomyr region. Over several months, local government representatives studied the fundamentals of project management, mechanisms for attracting funding, partnerships with the EU, and learned strategic planning tools. All participants received certificates with academic credits from the University of Tartu.

Executive Director of the Estonian Centre for International Development (ESTDEV), Klen Yaarats, pointed out that the main goal of the program is to provide community leaders with practical knowledge and tools to effectively implement projects and seize the opportunities that cooperation with the European Union opens for Ukraine:

“I would like to thank everyone who has walked this path with us. Every project starts with an idea, but it is crucial to know how to bring it to life. Project management skills are about setting goals, planning budgets, and executing tasks. It is through this approach that Estonia has been able to transform over the last 20-30 years. After Ukraine’s accession to the EU, new opportunities will open for you to participate in regional development programs – and you must be ready to seize them,” emphasized Klen Yaarats.

The Head of the Department of Restoration and Cooperation with Ukraine at ESTDEV, Margus Hering, announced that the collaboration with Zhytomyr region would not end here:

“We have already begun work on the second phase – IMPACT-Zhytomyr 2.0. This is a continuation of our joint initiative, which will open even more opportunities for the communities of the region.”

Deputy Head of the Zhytomyr Regional Military Administration, Nataliya Arendarchuk, emphasized the importance of such initiatives for the sustainable development of the Zhytomyr region.

“I am truly pleased that representatives from our territorial communities had the opportunity to enhance their professional skills, develop strategic thinking, and deepen their understanding of the entire project management process – from analyzing opportunities to reporting on implemented projects. This is the foundation that will support the further sustainable development of our communities,” she highlighted.

About the Program
The “IMPACT. Zhytomyr” project is implemented by Civitta in partnership with the University of Tartu, with the support of the Government of Estonia, the Estonian Centre for International Development (ESTDEV), the Zhytomyr Regional Military Administration, and the Regional Development Agency of Zhytomyr Region.

The main objective of the program was to create new opportunities for territorial communities through the development of project management capabilities, effective resource mobilization, and the formation of partnerships for implementing local initiatives.