An important step in implementing the project was the involvement of youth in the project work and the introduction of sustainable community development practices. In particular, within the framework of the project, a permanent educational platform was created - the Village Development Center "Lily" based on the Village Health Care Center in Vepryn as a socially active platform, taking into account environmental indicators and social benefits.
Two informational and educational events were also held involving children and youth from the village, with 83 participants, including 16 internally displaced persons, to ensure proper conditions for their stay and integration into peaceful life, as the Vishovetska community became a refuge for internally displaced children and individuals, especially from the Kyiv region (cities of Borodyanka, Makariv, Pisky), who are located 40 km away and have lost their homes, as well as from other regions, taking into account the scale of the war and occupation in the East and South of Ukraine.
The involvement and support of socially active youth from the village aimed to increase the awareness of young people about overcoming the biggest environmental problems in the future. The informational and educational events, as well as the successful implementation of the project, demonstrated to the youth that the support of communities in their efforts to achieve sustainable development is not only possible but also extremely important for change and global environmental achievements.
As a result of the project implementation, the energy efficiency of such an important community facility as the medical unit has been improved, and the working conditions and social protection of the community members have been enhanced. The reduction in electricity consumption will alleviate the burden on the energy infrastructure, leading to a decrease in greenhouse gas emissions, reduced consumption of energy resources, and cost savings on electricity bills.
The project serves as an example of implementing energy-efficient initiatives for other communities and households. The creation and operation of the Center for Rural Development's medical unit will become a platform for new opportunities for the community, providing access to resources and improving quality of life and well-being, while considering environmental indicators and social benefits.
Gender Focus
During the project implementation, special attention has been given to promoting gender equality in the participation of women alongside men in project tasks. The majority of individuals involved in the project are women. This includes project consultants, the medical staff of the Vepryn Feldsher-Akusher health center, and members of local environmental civic organizations who expressed a desire to be involved in the project. All activities are aimed at developing opportunities for women and enhancing their leadership position in the community, particularly in influencing local environmental and socio-economic policies. Throughout the project implementation, 115 women and 95 men participated in the project.
Enhancing gender parity has broad social implications, as issues traditionally championed by women primarily concern important areas such as family, education, and health. The presence of women in social life significantly increases the level of trust in both state institutions and the overall system of governance. In times of war, the majority of community residents are women, just like representatives of the village's parliament.
Emphasis on Sustainable Livelihoods
Implementation of measures to improve the energy efficiency of the Feldsher-Akusher point building in the village of Vepryn.
Demonstration of the environmental benefits and popularization of the "green" space for the population.
Dissemination of knowledge, communication policy, and creation of a permanent platform for community development.
Promoting Public Awareness of Global Environment
In order to promote the idea of efficient and rational energy use in households and professional activities, a series of informational and educational events have been conducted to increase the awareness of the community and systematize the knowledge of individuals responsible for energy efficiency and conservation in private and public buildings in Zhytomyr region. One of the main tasks of this component was to establish a Rural Development Center as a hub for informational, educational, and practical activities for all residents, guests, and internally displaced persons. Since its opening, the Center has already hosted a number of events, such as seminars, webinars, workshops, and other activities for community development.
In November 2022, a demonstration of completed work and the opening of the renovated Rural Health Post in the village of Vepryn took place, resulting in increased awareness among citizens regarding increased energy efficiency and the implementation of sustainable development ideas in the conditions of the rural healthcare facility in Vepryn Vyshyvetska territorial community, as well as new tools for interaction between the public and the authorities to improve energy efficiency and save energy resources, thanks to the complete modernization of the facility and transition to an alternative heating system.
As part of the project, two informational events were also held to provide psychological support and increase awareness among children and youth in the village.
Information on the implementation and results of the project is covered in the media, specifically on the pages of social networks like Facebook and TikTok, on the website of the Green Zhytomyr Region NGO, in the regional newspaper "Zhytomyrshchyna," as well as in local messenger channels.
As a result of the project activities and active informational and educational work, the awareness of over 250 individuals has been increased regarding the popularization of energy-efficient technologies, alternative energy sources in rural communities, and the associated benefits of healthcare and social cohesion.
Inovative Financial Mechanisms
The capacity building of the community and the engagement of the community in spreading information about the environmental and economic benefits of increasing energy efficiency in public buildings will be carried out through the continuation of awareness-raising activities at the Center for Rural Development. In addition, information about the events and community engagement will continue to be disseminated through mass media, which is currently the most convenient and widespread channel for information dissemination. Information will be disseminated through the press, the Internet, including social media platforms such as Facebook, TikTok, and the website www.zelena.org.ua.
The project results will be shared with other communities in the Zhytomyr region. The project participants plan to maintain contacts and continue to build the capacity of local self-government bodies by participating in the "Green Zhytomyr Region" Network.
Replication of project activities
The capacity building of the community and the engagement of the community in spreading information about the environmental and economic benefits of increasing energy efficiency in public buildings will be carried out through the continuation of awareness-raising activities at the Center for Rural Development. In addition, information about the events and community engagement will continue to be disseminated through mass media, which is currently the most convenient and widespread channel for information dissemination. Information will be disseminated through the press, the Internet, including social media platforms such as Facebook, TikTok, and the website www.zelena.org.ua.
The project results will be shared with other communities in the Zhytomyr region. The project participants plan to maintain contacts and continue to build the capacity of local self-government bodies by participating in the "Green Zhytomyr Region" Network.
Project Results
1. Reduced greenhouse gas emissions as a result of implementing a range of measures to increase the energy efficiency of the building and phasing out wood-burning stoves in the Feldsher-Ambulance Point, which has a total area of 53 sq.m.
2. More than 300 community members from the village of Vepryn and the city of Radomyshl in Zhytomyr region, including men, women, and children between the ages of 16 and 65, who participated in the project, have received additional benefits through access to civilized medical services, improved sanitary conditions in the premises, access to clean water, and an energy-efficient building for the rural Feldsher-Ambulance Point.
3. The conditions for providing and receiving primary medical care have been improved for approximately 150 patients per month, including children, who visit the Feldsher-Ambulance Point in the village of Vepryn.
4. The head of the village of Vepryn is a woman, and the staff of the Feldsher-Ambulance Point consists of two female doctors, a Feldsher, and a midwife. Additionally, approximately 100 women who participated in the project have been empowered to develop their leadership skills within the community.
5. The creation of a Village Development Center has provided enhanced opportunities for rural youth, activists, and community members, resulting in significant improvements in the community's capabilities and sustainable development. Furthermore, best practices for implementing energy-efficient and energy-saving technologies have been shared with other communities.
