Kremenchuk, Poltava Oblast, 22 October 2024 – A new “Place of Strength” Community Resilience Centre has opened its doors in Kremenchuk, Poltava Oblast. This has been made possible through the collaborative efforts of the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) in Ukraine and the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) in Ukraine, with generous financial support from the European Union (EU).

The centre is set to become a key platform for fostering youth initiatives, while also offering much-needed support to women and persons with disabilities. With the funding provided, the centre’s premises have been renovated, and in addition to the physical upgrades, a comprehensive professional development programme has been implemented for both staff and trainers. This will ensure the centre’s sustainable growth and its capacity to provide high-quality services over the long term.

The centre will organize a range of events to raise awareness of legal issues, improve access to social services, foster youth involvement in volunteering, and promote the reintegration of veterans and their families. It will also provide employment services and opportunities for professional retraining.

Stefan Schleuning, Head of Cooperation at the EU Delegation to Ukraine, emphasized that the EU actively supports local recovery and development projects in Ukraine. “Projects such as this are invaluable as they foster a sense of unity within communities, which is crucial in times of war,” said Mr Schleuning. “The Community Resilience Centre in Kremenchuk is now a space for people of all ages and professions to come together, receive support, and explore new opportunities to develop further.”

Jaco Cilliers, UNDP Resident Representative in Ukraine, underscored UNDP’s commitment to initiatives in which communities take responsibility for their own future. “We believe that true sustainability is achieved when communities are empowered to drive their own development,” said Mr Cilliers. “The Kremenchuk centre is a powerful example of how collaborative efforts can help people not only overcome challenges but also create new opportunities.”

Pavlo Zamostian, Deputy Representative of UNFPA, the United Nations Population Fund in Ukraine, said that the “Place of Strength” Centre plays an important role in supporting and developing the community. “This is exactly what the community needs right now to enhance its resilience to the challenges caused by the war,” said Mr Zamostian. “It will allow community members, including youth, the elderly, and people with disabilities, to receive psychological support and acquire useful skills.”

Background 

The “Place of Strength” Community Resilience Centre in Kremenchuk was an initiative of the “Fishermen’s Club of Ukraine – UA Fishing Club” NGO and Kremenchuk City Committee of Youth Organizations. It was created with support from UNFPA and UNDP under the “EU4Recovery – Empowering Communities in Ukraine” project, with financial support from the European Union. The total value of the initiative is US$102,000.

Media enquiries

Yuliia Samus, Head of Communications, UNDP in Ukraine; e-mail: yuliia.samus@undp.org