On 22 March 2016, Mr. Sanaka Samarasinha, UNDP Resident Representative in Belarus, came to Ukraine with a study visit. He has visited Selyshche village, Kyiv region, and had a meeting with the local community that successful implemented several microprojects with support from the joint UNDP/EU Project “Community-based approach to local development” (CBA).

There was a meeting with the representatives of the local community organization “Vira -1”. Its head Tetyana Tsviliy told the audience about the first steps taken by Selyshche community for self-organization, joint planning and defining the priorities. CO member Viktor Dudka briefed about implementation of the microproject on installation of street lightning using innovative energy efficient measures (renewable energy). The second project that has been implemented in the village is major repair of Selyshche school, including replacement of windows.

Mr. Samarasinha was then invited to see the results of these community initiatives, he came to see the local school, village health post and walked in the street lightened with innovative energy efficient lanterns. Summing up what has been shared during the meetings and presentations, Mr. Samarasinha has noted that repair of some selected infrastructure objects has obvious benefits, however what is of top importance is to establish systematic and efficient cooperation between communities and local authorities to ensure the improvement of quality of life for the communities.