On September 11 and 12, meetings of community representatives were held in the Kherson region as part of the third wave of the National Project “Shoulder-to-Shoulder: United Communities”.
At the first stage, communities of the Kherson region created 8 partnerships, and at the second stage, 12 more. In the third wave, all 17 deoccupied communities of the region and 12 from the temporarily occupied territories joined. In total, 38 partnerships have been formed and 51 memorandums of cooperation have already been signed.
Thanks to the support of partner communities, the Kherson region managed to attract over 10 million hryvnias in subventions. The funds were directed to the reconstruction of schools, housing renovation and the arrangement of shelters. Examples include the construction of a shelter at the Borozenska school, the renovation of the base of the Velikooleksandrivska school, and the repair of the heating system in institutions of the Bilozerska community.
An important direction was humanitarian aid: food, clothing, medicines, equipment for schools and hospitals. Some partner communities donated mobile homes for IDPs and equipment to increase the level of security.
Special attention is paid to children. In 2025, more than 600 children from Kherson communities rested and recovered in partner communities in Lviv, Khmelnytskyi, Cherkasy, Zhytomyr and Bukovina regions. Master classes, competitions and inclusive education programs were also held.
Cultural and sports cooperation became another important component. Joint concerts, exhibitions, football matches, competitions and youth initiatives were held. This not only supports the spirit of people, but also creates new opportunities for the exchange of experience and traditions.
On September 12, 4 communities of Kherson region signed memorandums of cooperation:
– Stanislavsk rural territorial community and Ostrytsk Otg of Chernivtsi region;
– Mylivsk Rural Military Administration and Zolotopotytsk settlement territorial community of Ternopil region;
– Novoraiska rural territorial community and Velykodederkalska rural territorial community of Ternopil region;
– Dolmativska rural territorial community and Obroshinska rural territorial community of Lviv region.
The “Side by Side” project in Kherson region demonstrates the importance and effectiveness of partnership. Together, communities are rebuilding schools and homes, helping victims, caring for children, and strengthening the unity of Ukraine.