There are less than two dozen inhabitants in the village. The picturesque and authentic village of Svalovychi in the Volyn Oblast may disappear from the map of Ukraine. After all, the population decreases every year – and the youth does not stay here long.

Kateryna Fedosivna lived here all her 87 years, widowed long ago, like most of the local residents. Svalovychi is also called the village of widows. There are only four men here.

There is neither a healthcare facility, nor shop here. Elementary school was closed long time ago. Once a week a wheel shop arrives and a paramedic from a nearby village. The youngest resident is 42 years old, the oldest is 91.

Old barns here go to firewood. There is one cow and a horse per village. A social worker helps the elderly.

Boratyn. Last year, this hromada was listed as one of the richest in Ukraine. Even the city dwellers may envy the infrastructure of this village. Outpatient clinic serves 9,000 people.

There is a large school in the village and a kindergarten for 150 children was insulated this year. Modern local stadium attracts people from all over the oblast.

The Boratynska hromada has 12 villages. After amalgamation, they try to develop remote villages here. A new local utility company will collect waste and in winter will clear snowy roads.

The hromada is successful due to its active residents, who care for their infrastructure. Here they believe that every settlement has its potential, the main thing is to determine how to develop it. Vacant houses are slowly purchased in Svalovychi. The new owners like a picturesque place. So there is a hope that this village will not disappear from the map of Ukraine.

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