There are many villages in Ukraine which, unfortunately, are doomed to decline. Their population is shrinking, infrastructure is crumbling, and young people are leaving en masse for the cities in search of a better life. Then these villages become an inconspicuous dot on the map of Ukraine.
However, there are also examples of how Ukrainian villages can develop and become no worse than European ones. These villages serve as proof that even in the most difficult conditions it is possible to create a space for a happy and fulfilling life.
IA “FACT” journalist Yuliya Khomenko found two villages in Ukraine that are rapidly breaking up and catching up with cities.
Радовель
The village of Radovel, located in the Zhytomyr region, has become a real example of how Ukrainian villages can develop and become no worse than European ones. This village can without exaggeration be called one of the best.
How is it different from other villages?
A state-of-the-art school and stadium were built here, meeting all UEFA standards. The Biotechnological Lyceum “Radovel”, opened in 2018, has also been updated. Since then, high-quality and safe food has been organized here – for this, the HACCP system is implemented, there is state-of-the-art equipment and business support. For more than 3 years, the team of cooks has been preparing dishes according to Yevgeny Klopotenko’s recipe, and during this time they have already processed 60% of the dishes. Every Friday, the lyceum prepares the food that the students like the most – they themselves “determine” the menu for that day in a closed Instagram account.
“We are very proud of our school! It has everything you need for quality education: modern classrooms, new equipment, qualified teachers. My child is happy to go here, and I am sure that he will get the knowledge and skills necessary for a successful life.”, – Maria Ivanivna, a resident of Radovl.
The lyceum was built according to the concept of NUSH, the school in Radovel impresses with its design and equipment. It was developed jointly with Iryna Chudovska and Oleksandr Horodnichy, and the architect finalized the design. This school fully takes into account the needs of inclusive children, the theater has access to the stage. If the child will participate in theatrical productions, then he will be able to go up and down the stage independently. There are also many clubs, in particular, robotics.
Teachers for this school were searched all over the country, and only the best were selected from 2000 applicants. Wages here are no worse than in the capital. In addition, a brand-new hotel was built for educators, where they can stay for free.
The hotel has a restaurant where famous chefs work. The roads in Radovel are almost perfect, and there are bike paths throughout the village. Charging stations are equipped for owners of electric cars. All these updates became possible thanks to financing from the native of the village, businessman Mykhailo Veselskyi.
“We are trying to make our village environmentally friendly. We implement energy-efficient technologies and take care of the cleanliness of the environment”, – Tetyana Ivanovna, ecologist.
Also, a new medical center was built in Radovla, which began work in 2021. This modern institution is equipped with the latest medical equipment, which allows providing a wide range of services to local residents and surrounding villages. According to the director of the center Natalia Tereshchenko, the medical center serves more than 1,000 patients annually. Here you can get consultations from family doctors and help from specialized specialists, such as an ophthalmologist, cardiologist, gynecologist, urologist, and others. One of the key features of the “Radovel” medical center is the possibility of performing surgical operations that do not require inpatient treatment. This was made possible thanks to a modern operating room equipped with the latest equipment, including a “smart” lamp that works even when the electricity is turned off. The village spared no expense and purchased a modern ambulance, which is no worse than an emergency car in private clinics.
Private business is also flourishing in this village, mainly focusing on blueberry cultivation. Energy-efficient technologies are being actively implemented in Radovla, which makes the village more ecological. There is a rich social life here, various activities and events are held regularly for residents of all age groups. The village has ambitious development plans, which include further infrastructure improvements, creation of new jobs and improvement of people’s living standards. The government plans to build a new maternity hospital. After February 24, many charity events and gatherings in support of the Armed Forces began to be held in the village.
Stepantsi in Cherkasy region
Unlike Radovl, Stepantsi cannot boast of modern infrastructure or impressive innovations. However, this village has a unique atmosphere where authentic Ukrainian values have been preserved and there is a desire for development.
What makes Stepantsi special?
Despite the lack of grandiose projects, modern facilities are appearing in the village that improve people’s lives. A new school and kindergarten and a dispensary were built. Good roads have become an important hallmark of the village, because the authorities have purchased road equipment and are repairing the roads themselves. A modern computer zone has been created in the library for children in Stepantsi. The school has installed interactive whiteboards and equipped comfortable classrooms. The kindergarten was also repaired and updated thanks to the efforts of the village council.
The Stepantsevo community unites 17 villages, and in two years it managed to increase its budget tenfold. This shows the active attitude of the residents and their solidarity. Unfortunately, the full-scale war stopped the growth of the village and prevented the implementation of many development plans. However, the residents of Stepantsi do not give up, they actively help the army and accept displaced persons, demonstrating their humanity and resilience.
“The kindergarten was renovated, and now it is very cozy and beautiful. My child enjoys going hereand”, – Olena Ivanovna, a resident of Stepantsi.
“We are very grateful to the authorities for repairing the roads in our village. Now it is much more comfortable to drive,” – Vasyl Ivanovych, resident of Stepantsi.
True Ukrainian values have been preserved here, there is a desire for development and a sincere desire to live in a better future. This is a place that inspires with its optimism and faith in people.
The story of Radovl and Stepantsi gives us hope that the future of Ukrainian villages can be better. These villages serve as an example of how people’s lives can be changed for the better thanks to solidarity, the active position of residents and the support of businesses or famous natives. It is important that the experience of these villages be heard and adopted by other communities. After all, thanks to joint efforts, Ukrainians will be able to make their villages centers of development and prosperity.
