The All-Ukrainian seminar-meeting, held in Myrhorod, is dedicated to the topic of the qualitative transformation of the system of social services’ provision in the amalgamated hromadas.

The representatives from all over Ukraine gathered in the centre of the Gogol’s land to discuss the current stage of social sphere reforming and get acquainted with the best AH practices in the sector. Oleksandra Churkina, Deputy Minister of Social Policy of Ukraine for European Integration, was the moderator of thematic sections.

The Poltava Oblast is not randomly chosen as the venue for such a representative event. A few months ago the Ministry of Social Policy identified 5 AHs of the oblast -  the Bilotserkivska, Omelnytska, Pyryatynska, Pishchanska, and Shyshatska hromadas – as pilot ones that were assigned with the powers to provide social services to the population. Due to the fruitful cooperation with the line department of the Oblast State Administration and the advisory assistance of experts from the Poltava Local Government Development Centre (established with the support of the U-LEAD with Europe programme and MinRegion), these five hromadas can already present positive examples of the pilot project implementation.

Oleksandra Sheremetyeva, head of the Omelnytska AH, noted: “Even during this short period of time after the beginning of the transfer of powers in the social sector, it was possible to change a lot. We have become much closer to those who need social protection and care. After all, who, if not local social workers, can feel and know the real needs of their neighbours? It also emphasises the effectiveness of the decentralisation reform in establishment and maintenance of a healthy living environment for our fellow countrymen.”