The 4th seminar of the KÜSK project “Development Leap” held at Tauno Kangro’s gallery

At the end of last week, the 4th seminar of the KÜSK project “Development Leap” (AHE23) took place. It was attended by members of the Association’s board, Toivo Kratt, development expert of the National Foundation of Civil Society (KÜSK), and the project’s working team.

The long-awaited meeting took place in a remarkable setting – the gallery of the renowned Estonian sculptor Tauno Kangro (Tauno Kangro Sculpture Gallery). The artist spoke about his work, and the impressive sculptures, paintings, sketches, furniture and unique creative atmosphere set the mood for productive work. Tauno Kangro also shared with the Association’s team his own experience of working with civil society organisations.

Representatives of the following organisations attended the meeting:

• Ukrainian Youth Association in Estonia (V. Palamar, Y. Novokhatnii);
• Ukrainian society and Saturday school “Kalyna”, Valga (R. Dovha, V. Butko);
• Society “Chervona Ruta”, Tapa (T. Chuvpylo, S. Chuvpylo, I. Salamatina);
• Sillamäe Ukrainian community “Vodograi” (L. Zhytnyk, R. Zaluskyi);
• MTÜ Spilno Library (Spilno_ee), Tallinn (D. Shiaulene, M. Reznichenko);
• MTÜ DIBROVA – music group, Tallinn (N. Skrypnyk);
• Creative studio “Mrija”, Tallinn (O. Smirnov);
• Creative association “Orpheus” (L. Laur) and the cultural club “Kryla” of the “Orpheus” society (L. Laur, T. Kychenko);
• Communication team of the Association of Ukrainian Organisations in Estonia (I. Hordiienko, A. Shulika).

The seminar was moderated by crisis manager Serge Seroukh.

The Association’s chairman Volodymyr Palamar gave a welcome speech and presented letters of gratitude from the former Ambassador of Ukraine to Estonia Mariana Betsa to Ruslana Dovha, head of the Ukrainian society and Saturday school “Kalyna” (Valga), and Liubov Laur, head of the creative association “Orpheus” (Tapa), for their significant contribution to the development of the Ukrainian community in Estonia:

“I am glad that we still hear each other and are ready to cooperate and do good things together. In 2025, the Association will celebrate its 25th anniversary. So much has been achieved over these years that I find it hard to list all our accomplishments. And this is the success of each of you. I am grateful to everyone in our team for their contribution, dedicated work and willingness to keep working for the Association’s mission – preserving the Ukrainian language, culture, traditions and identity. This is our shared history that unites us.

I hope that the “Development Leap” project will enable our organisation to grow, attract new members and move forward despite today’s challenges. We must also contribute to the struggle of the Ukrainian people and continue helping Ukraine defend its independence.”

During the seminar, representatives of the organisations talked about their current activities and achievements, as well as the challenges and difficulties they face in their work.

The team analysed the activities of the Association’s member organisations, discussed the preparation of an action plan to achieve the set goals and proposed solutions to existing problems.

The board and the expert assessed the action plan, which is intended to help achieve the project’s goal. It was also decided to cover the work on the project on the Association’s website and social media, and it was agreed what information would be published.

The team recorded the best proposals – based on them, the project manager will prepare a report for the National Foundation of Civil Society (KÜSK).

At the end of the meeting, participants continued over coffee: discussing details, making new contacts, planning joint meetings and consulting the KÜSK expert.

We look forward to the next meeting!

The “Development Leap” project (AHE/2023/203) is funded by the National Foundation of Civil Society (KÜSK).