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UNDP Breaks Ground with Peace Restoration and Livelihoods Renewal Activities in War- Affected Communities of Donbass: "The New Donbass" project

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13.10.2014

An initiative group comprising of residents from various parts of Ukraine and in Kyiv shortly formed of artists, actors, writers, cameramen, critics, educators and other representatives of creative professions, decided to devote part of their time and by means of culture, art, and good will start restoring trust and reinstating social cohesion that got broken in times of military conflict.

 
A town of Mykolayivka, according to local residents, is a small replica of Donbass with all its diversity, joy and sorrow, uneasy destiny of its inhabitants who have become hostages of war, finding themselves in difficult life circumstances.

In the cause of a conflict the town got partially ruined. Unfortunately, the town school - a local knowledge hub and home to scholarly achievements and merit, could not avoid the sad fate and got ruined becoming unsuitable for the studies. As a kind of symbol of enlightment and integrity, harboring local communities, the situation with the local Alma Mater could not pass unnoticed by concerned local residents and community activists. Their open and sincere appeal found a respond on behalf of a group of individuals representing a wide scope of professions and occupations, while all of them could not remain indifferent to the grave conditions of their fellow citizens.

Moved by the appeal of a local resident, the creative association "Babylon 13" made a short film about the school and a plea to help restore the building. Besides, around the idea of school reconstruction the association was able to unite an initiative group who ensured support from United Nations Development Programme in Ukraine and backing of private companies for construction material supply to carry out the restorative works.

The project's main goal is reconstruction of ruined and damaged public facilities, social infrastructure renewal in the cities of eastern Ukraine, as well as identification and mobilizing of local civic and culture activists. In pursuit of this goal the initiative group endeavors to render continuous support to the residents of ruined towns and villages, initiate and foster the development of civil society on liberated territories in eastern Ukraine while nurturing a new life quality.

This project does not only aim to rebuild the school and restore town's infrastructure, but also cater comprehensive assistance to its residents who suffered during the conflict by organizing and conducting cultural activities, interaction and restoration activities with assistance of lawyers and psychologists.

"Cultural Troopers", which have already landed on 5 October in the town of Mykolayivka encompasse over 20 volunteers who, in the course of two weeks will conduct cultural programs for local children and adults. The programme envisages art therapy, children's film studio (mentored by our volunteer directors, children will learn film shooting, film editing, and film presentation), fairy tale therapy (for children aged 7-13), film demonstrations with follow-up discussions. The agenda also envisions Creative workshop and master class in acting by the Kyiv Youth Theater actress Rymma Ziubina and Creative workshop and master class in acting, pantomime, and plastics by "Tabor Production".

Children will also be able to see a staging of Meterlink's "Blue Bird" children's play under "Tabor Production" supervision, while adults will have a chance to watch a series of films on cultural activism, civil society, and public space. Besides, the residents will get professional legal and psychological counseling.

All of it to is happen during the evening times, whereas during the day, volunteers will assist construction workers as supported by local residents, to rebuild the damaged school.
 
The "New Donbass" project is planning a series of expeditions to different tons in the East of Ukraine , which suffered from the military conflict. The next four months will see five more expeditions to small downs in Donbass where, helped by the active residents, the initiative group will endeavor to trigger restoration and reconstruction activities for local communities.

Join up!
 
Partners of "The New Donbas" Project
• "Babylon 13" Association
• "Horizon Capital" Investment Company
• United Nations Development Programme in Ukraine
• "KM Core" Company
• "Donbass S.O.S" Initiative
• "Postup" Human Rights Center
• "Vostok S.O.S. Initiative
• Network of Legal Aid Centers of Crimea
• "Tvorcha Varta" Initiative (Creative Guard)
• Culture Activists Congress
• "Mystetska Platforma" CSO (Art Platform)
• "Mystetska Sotnia CSO (Artistry Hundred)
• All-Ukrainian Association "Art Council Ukraine"
• "Dobro" Dobropillia Youth Center
• Psychological Service of Maidan
• "Animagrad" animation studio
• "Isolation" Foundation
• "Restoration. East" Initiative
• "From a Country to Ukraine" Initiative
• "Community Development Foundation" of Kramatorsk town
• World Congress of Ukrainians

For more information on joining "The New Donbas" project please contact:
 
Larysa Artiuhina
(067) 447 35 45, This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
facebook: Лора Артюгіна
 
Oleksandr Fomenko
(099) 290 10 15, This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
facebook: Александр Фоменко
 
Olena Gomon – Project's PR-Manager
(066) 100 11 06, This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
facebook: Hellena Gomon
 


 
Tags: Donbass; Donetsk; renewal; art; reconciliation; Lugansk; ATO