Activities Archives - Навколо Нас

Forum “Partnership for a Better Future: Recovery and Strategic Development of Communities”

skrynka2012@ — Wed, 30 Oct 2024 21:46:40 +0000

October 30, 2024

Last week, the “Cultural Space” of the “Around Us.UA” NGO hosted a meeting of activists from Bohuslavshchyna to discuss the Community’s Development Strategy. This was the first public event held in our new “Cultural Space,” and we were thrilled by the vibrant and timely dialogue among representatives of government, business, and civil society.

Developing and implementing a community strategy is a vital factor in improving the quality of life for its residents. The more people understand and engage with this process, the more effective the Strategy will be. Recognizing this, we support and will continue to support similar discussions through our NGO in Bohuslav.

The forum, officially titled “Partnership for a Better Future: Recovery and Strategic Development of Communities”, was organized by the “Respublica” Institute (Active Community Initiative) in partnership with “Around Us.UA” and supported by the Black Sea Trust for Regional Cooperation.

The event brought together 25 participants, including civic activists, volunteers, representatives of local government, entrepreneurs, and active citizens working toward community recovery and development.

Key Topics Discussed:

Results of the study “Impact and Consolidation of Involved Parties in Community Recovery and Strategic Development”, based on a survey of Bohuslav community residents;
Factors for effective collaboration between government, civil society, and businesses to achieve strategic community goals.

Participants unanimously agreed that only joint efforts by local authorities, NGOs, and businesses can ensure sustainable community development. They also highlighted the current shortage of active citizens across all sectors in Bohuslav.

Pavlo Pavlichenko, Head of Finance and Revenue at Bohuslav City Council, noted:
“The number of active individuals in Bohuslav is gradually increasing, and that’s encouraging. This growth is an important factor for driving change. However, for tangible progress, we need a larger percentage of actively engaged citizens.”

Pavlo Ruban, a psychologist and board member of the charitable organization “Dzherela” (which supports individuals with intellectual disabilities), agreed that this challenge exists. He emphasized the availability of international methodologies to boost civic engagement across diverse communities, adding: “Such methods can be adapted to Bohuslav’s current realities.”

Oksana Humeniuk, head of the “Around Us.UA” NGO, stressed that cultural activities could serve as a foundation for implementing these practices. The results of the NGO’s work demonstrate that cultural events already captivate and involve community members in active collaboration.

Many participants emphasized the importance of such gatherings in uniting community efforts around a shared strategy. Comments included: “It was fascinating to hear the opinions and research”, “These meetings are inspiring”, “I’m starting to think about how to expand our project specifically in Bohuslav”, “Such events inspire me to create new projects”.

Inna Dushka, Executive Director of the “Respublica” Institute, shared:
“The conclusions from this forum will be considered in the preparation of a report on the recovery and strategic development of communities, which the “Respublica” Institute will present in November at the National Forum. This forum will include representatives from central government authorities directly involved in community development.”

She added that the discussion’s outcomes will influence a set of recommendations that could serve as a foundation for decision-making at the national level.

The forum was part of the project “Research on the Impact and Contribution of Civil Society in the Recovery and Development of Communities”, organized by the nationwide initiative Active Community of the “Respublica” Institute with support from the Black Sea Trust for Regional Cooperation.

Record Forum “Partnership for a Better Future: Recovery and Strategic Development of Communities” will first appear on Навколо Нас.

“Dosvitky (Daypeep) in Bohuslav: A Traditional Workshop” How It Was

skrynka2012@ — Tue, 29 Oct 2024 21:27:00 +0000

October 29, 2024

Bohuslav hosted a lively Dosvitky (or Daypeep) gathering. During the event, organised by the “Around Us.UA” NGO, local artisans conducted five master classes to teach residents and visitors traditional crafts that have been practiced in the region for centuries. The event was dedicated to the International Day of Intangible Cultural Heritage.

Master craftswoman Kateryna Zubko from Khokhitva demonstrated the mid-20th-century technique of making waxed flower wreaths or crowns. Using materials like cardboard, wire, crepe paper, wax, thread, glue, dyed semolina, foil, and other supplies, participants learned to craft flowers, leaves, and decorative elements to weave into bouquets and eventually shape a traditional wreath or crown.

Another artisan from Khokhitva, Kateryna Robak, shared the time-honored method of braiding ribbons for wedding crowns, a skill she learned from her grandmother.

Petro Datsenko, a craftsman from Medvyn, showcased the creation of straw hats, guiding participants through weaving straw ribbons, the foundation of the headwear. “It takes me about two weeks to create a hat, but if I focus only on that, it might take a week. I use wheat straw, which needs to be moistened to avoid breaking. To make one hat, you’ll need the volume of straw that fits into three jar diameters. I weave 35–50 meters of ribbon from it, then sew it together with thread, but the needle must not be too thick to prevent breaking the straw,” Petro explained.

Yaroslava Spasionova, along with her father Serhii Spasionov, held a pottery workshop using a traditional potter’s wheel. Their family has been reviving the most popular craft of Dybyntsi village – pottery – for decades.

Tetiana Tarasenko from Dybyntsi introduced the youngest participants to ‘Dybyntsi painting’, a decorative art unique to the region’s ceramics, characterized by its distinct motifs and palette.

In addition to celebrating cultural heritage, the event raised 2,770 UAH for Bohuslav’s volunteer headquarters. The funds were directed toward purchasing a vehicle for the anti-tank platoon of the 150th Brigade (Donetsk axis), where Yaroslava Spasionova’s husband, potter Serhii Todorchuk, is serving.

The event was supported by the NGO “Democracy Through Culture Development Centre”.

Record “Dosvitky (Daypeep) in Bohuslav: A Traditional Workshop” How It Was will first appear on Навколо Нас.

Invitation to “Dosvitky (Daypeep) in Bohuslav: Traditional Workshop”

skrynka2012@ — Thu, 24 Oct 2024 16:50:48 +0000

October 24, 2024

On October 26, 2024, we invite you to join us for a warm and welcoming gathering, Dosvitky (Daypeep) in Bohuslav: Traditional Workshop.

In the traditional Ukrainian calendar, after the end of the harvest season and the beginning of the colder autumn-winter season with long dark evenings, people would come together to spend time socializing, working, or enjoying leisure activities. Dosvitky or Daypeep —an ancient tradition of evening gatherings (often lasting until dawn, hence the name “till the breaking dawn or daypeep”), that offered opportunities for rural youth to combine work with recreation during the autumn and winter months.

“Dosvitky (daypeep) or vechornytsi (evening parties) were both ordinary and festive. The essence of the daily gatherings was focused on girls working on embroidery, spinning, or sewing, while boys either worked or entertained the girls with witty stories, jokes, or music. During festive evenings, the youth would sing, dance, and celebrate life.“

This event launches a series of traditional activities dedicated to the International Day of Intangible Cultural Heritage, celebrated annually on October 17, the anniversary of the adoption of the 2003 UNESCO Convention for the Safeguarding of Intangible Cultural Heritage.

The first gathering focuses on traditional crafts and handwork of our region. We have invited talented artisans to teach participants various skills, such as:

Kateryna Robak – Embroidery and sewing decorative elements for traditional clothing
Kateryna Zubko – Crafting wax flower wreaths
Yaroslava Spasyonova – Pottery workshop with a potter’s wheel
Petro Datsenko – Straw hat crafting workshop
Tetyana Tarasenko – Painting with the unique Dybyntsi decorative style

Venue: The event will take place in our new cultural space, “Around Us.UA” NGO, located at: 15 Akademika Koroliova Street (Lane), Bohuslav city (formerly the evening school).

Date & Time: Saturday, October 26, 1:00 PM to 6:00 PM.

Participation is free or by voluntary donation.

For more information, please contact us at +38 093 453 54 59.

Looking forward to seeing you there!

Record Invitation to “Dosvitky (Daypeep) in Bohuslav: Traditional Workshop” will first appear on Навколо Нас.

Forum “Partnership for a Better Future: Recovery and Strategic Development of Communities”

skrynka2012@ — Sat, 19 Oct 2024 16:57:01 +0000

October 19, 2024

We invite community activists, volunteers, representatives of local government, business, and media involved in the recovery and development of the Bohuslav community, as well as all active citizens, to participate in the forum “Partnership for a Better Future: Recovery and Strategic Development of Communities”.

The programme includes a discussion of the findings from the study “The Impact and Consolidation of Stakeholders in the Recovery and Strategic Development of Communities”.

This forum will serve as a platform to address the pressing challenges communities face during the recovery process and the development of strategic documents. As co-organizers of the event, activists from “Around Us. UA” NGO plan to focus on the necessity of strategizing cultural sector development as a key element for community progress and economic growth.

When: October 23

Where: Bohuslav city, 15 Akademika Koroliova Lane, 1st floor

Event Schedule:

9:30 – 10:00 – Registration

10:00 – 12:00 – Presentation of the study “The Impact and Consolidation of Involved Parties in the Recovery and Strategic Development of Communities” and discussion

12:00 – 12:30 – Coffee break and informal networking

Registration: Interested participants are requested to pre-register using the following link: https://forms.gle/g2x125fcaMyLixjo8.

Insights generated during the forum will contribute to a report to be presented by the Institute “Respublika” in November at the National Forum, attended by representatives of central government bodies directly engaged in community development.

This event is part of the project “Research on the Impact and Contributions of Civil Society to the Recovery and Development of Communities”, organised by the Institute “Respublika” with the support of the Black Sea Trust for Regional Cooperation.

Record Forum “Partnership for a Better Future: Recovery and Strategic Development of Communities” will first appear on Навколо Нас.

The Head of the “Around Us. UA” NGO Participates in Academic Conference on Preserving Intangible Cultural Heritage in Military Activities

skrynka2012@ — Wed, 02 Oct 2024 19:14:43 +0000

October 2, 2024

Oksana Humeniuk, Head of the non-governmental organization “Around Us. UA” participated in the scientific conference “Preservation of Intangible Cultural Heritage in Military Activities”, held in Wrocław, Poland. The conference, dedicated to the 25th anniversary of Poland’s accession to NATO, was organized by the International Centre for Training and Research on Cultural Heritage in Danger.

During the event, participants explored the following topics:

The role of intangible cultural heritage (ICH) during crises, with a focus on the ongoing war in Ukraine;
Military traditions within the Polish Armed Forces and their connection to ICH;
Practical solutions and experiences in preserving cultural heritage during crises.

The conference facilitated an exchange of ideas and in-depth discussions on safeguarding intangible cultural heritage, both in general terms and in specific military contexts.

In one of the panels, Oksana Humeniuk presented her report titled “Preserving Intangible Cultural Heritage in the Context of Armed Conflict: The Ukrainian Experience”. She shared insights into nationwide efforts to protect ICH during martial law, highlighting the work of “Around Us. UA“ in the Bohuslavshchyna:
“Amid armed and informational resistance to russian aggression, the study, preservation, revival, and promotion of Ukraine’s cultural heritage are of utmost importance. Our organisation approaches these issues comprehensively, demonstrating how local community initiatives can become models for the entire country.”

A central message of the conference, “No Discussion of Ukraine Without Ukraine’s Involvement”, resonated strongly, as Humeniuk received the highest number of questions among panelists.

We express our sincere gratitude to the conference organizers, including Anna Schreiber, Colonel Janusz Zając, Oleksandr Butsenko, and Valentyna Demian of the NGO Development Centre “Democracy Through Culture”, for their support in showcasing Ukraine’s cultural heritage on the international stage.

Record The Head of the “Around Us. UA” NGO Participates in Academic Conference on Preserving Intangible Cultural Heritage in Military Activities will first appear on Навколо Нас.

Attending the Conference “Heritage: A Space for Action. Experiences from Ukraine’s Frontline and De-Occupied Regions”

skrynka2012@ — Mon, 23 Sep 2024 21:15:39 +0000

September 24, 2024

Our team attended the conference ‘Heritage: A Space for Action. Experiences from Ukraine’s Frontline and De-Occupied Regions,’ organized by the Partnership for a Strong Ukraine Foundation. This was far more than just a discussion.

The Foundation launched the ‘Heritage: A Space for Action’ programme, which saw the participation of around 30 representatives from various cultural institutions. They engaged in learning, networking, inspiring each other, and had the opportunity to develop and present projects under the guidance of experts. Fourteen of the best projects received support and funding. These projects are primarily from frontline regions and areas that have suffered significant losses due to Russian aggression, including Odesa, Chernihiv, Kharkiv, Sumy, Kherson, Mykolaiv, Donetsk, and Luhansk regions, as well as organizations relocated from these regions due to armed conflict.

The program was developed and implemented throughout 2024 by a team of experts and a consortium of four flagship cultural institutions: Mystetskyi Arsenal, Kharkiv Literary Museum, ONFAM/Odesa National Fine Arts Museum, and ‘IZOLYATSIA. Platform for Cultural Initiatives’.

The projects are fantastic, incredibly interesting, and inspiring. Indeed, heritage is becoming a strong platform for healing, unity, and recovery. This is a remarkable and very important effort.

However, we would love to hear more about some of the projects in greater detail. We understand that this is difficult to achieve within a single conference day, but if there’s an opportunity in the future to hold events that offer more detailed presentations of the projects implemented by the Partnership for a Strong Ukraine Foundation, it would be highly engaging.

Record Attending the Conference “Heritage: A Space for Action. Experiences from Ukraine’s Frontline and De-Occupied Regions” will first appear on Навколо Нас.

Presentation of the “Folk Calendar of Bohuslavshchyna” in Bohuslav City

skrynka2012@ — Wed, 18 Sep 2024 16:05:18 +0000

September 18, 2024

We are finally presenting our publication, “The Folk Calendar of Bohuslavshchyna”, in Bohuslav!

The book was written by participants of expeditions throughout Bohuslavshchyna: folklorist Olena Chebaniuk and historian Oksana Humeniuk, with artistic design by Oleksandra Fedoryshyna.

The publication is dedicated to the calendar traditions of Bohuslavshchyna (Kyiv region), highlighting their local characteristics, unique ritual practices, and folklore. It includes materials from our historical and ethnographic expeditions and archives. You will also find a questionnaire designed for recording stories, memories, and folklore or ethnological material, as well as samples of local clothing from museum collections and private collectors.

Additionally, the publication features information about the local project “The Life of Ukrainians: The Folk Calendar of Bohuslavshchyna”, focusing on the key components of its implementation. Since the project serves as an example of successful research and promotion of traditional culture, its experience can be applied in planning similar projects in small communities across Ukraine and beyond.

By the way, you are welcome to view the publication online.

When: September 19, 10:30 AM
Where: Reading Room of the Bohuslav Public Library, 1 Ostriv St., Bohuslav city

The event is supported by the Department of Culture, Youth, and Sports of the Social and Humanitarian Administration of the Bohuslav City Council’s Executive Committee.

Record Presentation of the “Folk Calendar of Bohuslavshchyna” in Bohuslav City will first appear on Навколо Нас.

Masters of Bohuslavshchyna of the “Around Us. UA” NGO Won 2nd Place in the Competition for “Best Reproduced Traditional Authentic Costume”

skrynka2012@ — Sat, 14 Sep 2024 10:58:10 +0000

September 14, 2024

The team from the Association of Masters of Bohuslavshchyna, dedicated to creating traditional Ukrainian attire under the public organization “Around Us. UA,” secured 2nd place in the competition for “Best Reproduced Traditional Authentic Costume” held in honour of the Day of Traditional Ukrainian Costume.

The competition was founded and organized by the public organization “Volyn Research and Revival Centre.” The winners were announced on September 1, 2024, in the town of Radyvyliv, Rivne region, at the ethnopark “Ladomyriia.”

The recreated traditional attire of Bohuslavshchyna was presented by local artisans Kateryna Zamnius and Kateryna Robak. Our artisans showcased a collaborative effort of the team, which worked for about three months on reproducing the folk costume of historical Bohuslavshchyna:

Oksana Humeniuk — project leader;
Kateryna Zamnius – seamstress and embroiderer, recreated the shirt and skirt;
Kateryna Robak – artisan of straw and hay weaving, embroiderer, recreated the headpiece (‘ochipok’) and apron;
Anna Slobodianiuk – seamstress, recreated the corset (‘kersetka’);
“VydymoNevydymo” – workshop of traditional Ukrainian goldsmithing, created a set of jewellery.

All items were crafted based on samples from the Museum of the History of Bohuslav Region, items from private collections, and examples from old photographs.

Our delegates were fortunate to take a tour of “Ladomyriia,” visiting an open-air museum featuring Volyn houses over 200 and 100 years old, a Hutsul khata (house), a granary (‘shpikhir’), and a storage house (‘klit’). They also visited a workshop where they witnessed firsthand the traditional weaving of kalamaik belts and various woven goods.

We kindly remind you that the team from the “Around Us. UA” NGO, with the support of the “Partnership for a Strong Ukraine” Fund, implemented the project “Clothing and Traditions. Bohuslavshchyna,” which digitized hundreds of items of traditional Ukrainian clothing from Bohuslav region.

Record Masters of Bohuslavshchyna of the “Around Us. UA” NGO Won 2nd Place in the Competition for “Best Reproduced Traditional Authentic Costume” will first appear on Навколо Нас.

We Are Pleased to Invite You to the Charity Ethnic Event ‘Portal through the Centuries. Old-World Bohuslav’

skrynka2012@ — Tue, 27 Aug 2024 18:45:32 +0000

August 27, 2024

We invite you to our annual charity ethnic event ‘Portal through the Centuries: Old-World Bohuslav’ at our new location (time will be announced shortly).

Probably, you have already missed the time when you could see crowds of people in Bohuslav wearing elegant Ukrainian, Polish and Jewish costumes – the same costumes as they used to wear in the Bohuslavshchyna in the 19th and 20th centuries, and the city was filled with wonderful and lively ethnic music from famous performers.

So on Saturday, 31 August, we will meet in Bohuslav!

Live performances for you:

ethno-electronic project GG GulayGorod (Kyiv)
folk singer Boguslavka – Yulia Sovershenna (Bohuslav – Kyiv)
acoustic band Street Light (Bohuslav)
People’s Amateur Folklore Band ‘Koliada’ and People’s Amateur Bandura Players Band ‘Bohuslavka’ (Bohuslav Humanitarian and Professional College named after I.S. Nechuy-Levytskyi)
Yulia Derkach (Kyiv)
‘Balamuty’ Band (Kyiv)
folklore group ‘GulayGorod’ (Traditional GulayGorod) (Kyiv).

In addition, we have prepared for you the locations ‘Skrynya’ (CHEST), ‘Komora’ (PANTRY) and an old-style Photo Studio (PHOTO SALOON), a retro picnic and many more.

We have also invited old-world musicians as well as local and guest craftsmen.

And our local culinary wizards are preparing ancient dishes of Bohuslavshchyna to make it not only a beautiful event but also a delicious one.

And to top it all off, there will be a charity fair to raise funds for the needs of our servicemen.

Here are more details about the locations we are preparing for you this time:

“CHEST”: here you will see and try on Ukrainian ancient clothing, braid your hair and tie a shawl the way our great-grandmothers used to do it. Create your own Old-world look and take photos in an old-fashioned photo saloon (or photo studio).
RETRO-PICNIC with a themed photo zone. Feel the atmosphere of the 19th-century Bohuslav at a historic picnic and an elegant photo zone.
“PANTRY”: old household items. Find out what and how our ancestors used in their households and try to work with the tools of labour that our grandmothers used.
PHOTO SALOON (or photo studio) is where you can take a lovely photo in an old-fashioned outfit. And donate to our army.
KIDS’ PLAYGROUND: games, entertainment, quests, photo zones, educational and entertainment programme for younger guests.
“GYMNASIUM”. Here we will tell and show how students studied 100 years ago, what they used to write with, what they read, and what desks they sat at.
OLD-WORLD MUSICAL INSTRUMENTS. Attempt to play and listen to the lyre, kobza, old-world bandura, and the ‘troyisti muzyky’ (triplet musicians).
BOHUSLAV FAIR has been known for over 400 years. Once upon a time, Bohuslav hosted large trade fairs that gathered more than 10,000 attendees. At the fair, local craftsmen will present their unique products and share their secrets at masterclasses. Among the workshops: weaving, straw weaving, motanka doll making, beading, dybynets painting, and decorating gingerbread. Learn more about the folk art of the Bohuslavshchyna and create your own souvenir at the workshops.
And what would Bohuslav Fair be without the BUBLEYNYTSIA? Come and find out exactly who that is.
“SHYNOK” with delicious food and drinks. Taste the traditional cuisine of Bohuslavshchyna: these dishes were discovered during local history expeditions and found at the culinary notes of our grandmothers.
LOCATION OF JEWISH CULTURE: Bohuslav was home to a large Jewish community in the 19th century. At this location, you will have a chance to learn more about Jewish national culture, traditions, clothing, and everyday life traditions.
LOCATION OF POLISH CULTURE: The Church of St. Wladyslaw was the centre of the cultural and religious life of the large Polish community in Bohuslav. Therefore, this location will tell all about national Polish traditions and culture.
THE STAGE. A charity concert with performers and bands (we are going to tell you more about them later on). The stage programme includes multicultural old-world Bohuslav – Ukrainian, Jewish, Polish.

So, see you in Old-World Bohuslav on 31 August!

Follow our news and announcements.

Record We Are Pleased to Invite You to the Charity Ethnic Event ‘Portal through the Centuries. Old-World Bohuslav’ will first appear on Навколо Нас.

Survey for Bohuslav Community Residents

skrynka2012@ — Mon, 12 Aug 2024 21:39:45 +0000

August 13, 2024

Dear friends, we are calling on the residents of the Bohuslav community!

We are currently completing the “Clothing and Tradition. Bohuslavshchyna” project. However, this shouldn’t mean that we are done with our work in this direction, but we have to draw some results. Therefore, the organisation that funded the project is looking to survey the community to find out how they see our activities, products, and whether they know about them.

The survey should take about 1 hour to complete. It will tentatively happen at the end of August.

If you would like to help us and dedicate some time for such a telephone interview, please register via the following Google form: https://forms.gle/7E3K6PndA2ahQXbX8

Our colleagues from the Partnership for a Strong Ukraine (PSU) will contact you shortly.

This project “Clothing and Traditions. Bohuslavshchyna” is supported by the Partnership for a Strong Ukraine Fund, which is funded by the governments of Canada, Estonia, Finland, the Netherlands, Sweden, Switzerland, the United Kingdom, and the United States of America.

Record Survey for Bohuslav Community Residents will first appear on Навколо Нас.