On August 20, the Ukrainian Catholic University launched a two-module training program for amalgamated territorial communities (ATCs) titled «Communicating for Ukraine».
Participants of the training received a unique opportunity to gain knowledge on various aspects of communication, develop their own communication strategies for their communities, and receive individual consultations from experienced mentors for implementation.
The program is supported by the American people through the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) in collaboration with the Ministry of Culture and Information Policy of Ukraine, the Ministry of Community and Territorial Development of Ukraine, and the State Agency for Restoration and Development of Infrastructure of Ukraine.
«Effective communication is crucial not only for building trust between citizens and the state but also within communities. It is a vital part of Ukraine’s EU accession process. We are establishing very close cooperation with both EU structures and NATO to adopt international standards, and we can also share our own. Ukrainian stste, Ukrainian trainers and experts have significant experience that is worth sharing, particularly within amalgamated territorial communities», said Taras Shevchenko, Deputy Minister of Culture and Information Policy of Ukraine for European Integration.
Program goals:
– Enhance the effectiveness of communication strategies for amalgamated territorial communities (ATCs).
– Develop skills in community branding and media relations management for Ukraine’s reconstruction.
– Prepare effective communication campaigns aimed at increasing community trust.
«For us, as the School of Journalism and Communications at the Ukrainian Catholic University, an educational platform focused on information resilience for Ukraine’s reconstruction, it is crucial to serve as a venue for training public officials at various levels. We aim to offer not only effective tools but also to share common values. Today, we are pleased to welcome 20 participants from 9 frontline communities. Over the next 6 months, we will work with 80 participants, including heads and staff of ATCs in Ukraine’s frontline areas. The key idea we want to convey is that only communication based on truth and respect for human dignity can lay the foundation for responsible leadership, essential for effective governance and Ukraine’s reconstruction. At the same time, understanding the daily challenges faced by our participants, we have ensured not only high-quality training but also provided opportunities for recreation and reflection, especially for those who have experienced occupation, loss of home, or loved ones», said Andrii Shestak, director of the School of Journalism and Communications at UCU and deputy dean of the faculty of social sciences.
The program covers essential topics such as strategic communication, community branding, media relations, and crisis communication. Participants will learn to develop effective communication strategies, build trust with the community, attract investments and partners. Special attention will be given to issues of recovery and rebuilding communities after conflict. The training program will run from August to December 2024.
