Representatives of the Velykonovosilkovskyi community in Donetsk Oblast made a working visit to the Teplitska community in Vinnytsia Oblast as part of the national project “Side by Side: United Communities.”
During the visit, the parties discussed a number of pressing issues related to inter-community cooperation. In particular, they discussed opportunities for health resort treatment for children from disadvantaged groups, the provision of inpatient social care services for the elderly and vulnerable populations, as well as prospects for supplying sports equipment to further develop physical education and hold joint events. Special attention was paid to planning cultural and educational initiatives that will help deepen the partnership between the communities.
During their stay, the delegation from the Velykonovosilkovska community participated in the events of the first cultural and arts festival, held as part of the nationwide project “Side by Side: United Communities,” with the participation of representatives from the Velykonovosilky, Teplitsa, and Myrne communities, and served as a space for lively dialogue on traditions and shared values.
Community representatives honored the memory of the fallen with a nationwide moment of silence and a wreath-laying ceremony, visited the museum of composer Mykola Leontovych, learned about the history and ethnography of the Teplitska community, participated in the symbolic creation of the “Family Tree,” and took part in the arts program and exhibition of creative works.
The cultural program brought together representatives from three communities—Velykonovosilkovskyi (Donetsk Oblast), Teplitskyi (Vinnytsia Oblast), and Myrnenskyi (Kherson Oblast)—demonstrating the power of culture as a tool for unity. A special part of the events was an introduction to elements of intangible cultural heritage, including the traditional ritual “Vodyty Volodara” and authentic regional dishes.
As a sign of respect and cultural exchange, representatives of the Velykonovosilkovskyi community presented their partner community with traditional dishes from their native region, as well as the almanac “The Local History Treasury of Velykonovosilkovshchyna.”
The working visit marked an important step in the development of intermunicipal cooperation, confirming the communities’ shared readiness for mutual support, exchange of experience, and implementation of joint initiatives. After all, it is the solidarity and unity of communities that form the strength of Ukrainian society and strengthen the resilience of the state in today’s conditions.
Based on materials from the Velykonovosilkovskyi Military Settlement Administration