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Hoshcha Territorial Community
Rivne
Population:
The Hoshcha Territorial Community is located in the Rivne District of the Rivne Region.
The total area of the Community amounts to 484.3 square kilometres.
The population of the Community totals 23,019 residents.
Internally displaced persons: 437 people
The Community consists of forty localities, with the village of Hoshcha being its administrative centre.
History
Hoshcha is a town with a deep history dating back to the 12th century. For centuries, it played an important role in the cultural and social life of the region.
The first mentions of Hoshcha date back to 1152. The name comes from the Old Slavic “pohost” or “host”, which means a settlement or hospitality. In the Middle Ages, Hoshcha was an important centre, which is evidenced by the churches and other buildings of architectural grandeur that can still be found in its territory. The Community is located on the banks of the Horyn River.
In the 17th century, the town became a centre of education thanks to the establishment of a collegium.
In the second half of the 19th century, the town experienced significant development thanks to the ownership of landowners, which contributed to the construction of temples and wealthy settlements. In the 20th century, in particular, during the revolutionary events and the Second World War, Hoshcha went through ordeals, but managed to recover.
The historical heritage of the Community includes the Intercession Orthodox Convent, the Lenkevychi Manor and the Hoshcha settlement, which is an archaeological site.
The Lenkevychi – Valevski Manor in Hoshcha is an outstanding landmark of the palatial modernism in the residential architecture of Volyn in the 19th century.
The Hoshcha Park is a site of garden and park art of national importance established in the 18th century. Its greatest value is rare species of trees brought there from many countries of the southern hemisphere. In a relatively small area, one can see many species of rare shrubs and trees. The decoration of the park is an exotic ginkgo tree. Japanese sophora and swamp oak also grow there. The park is a favourite recreation spot for residents and guests.
The Hoshcha Intercession Convent is an Orthodox convent, an architectural landmark of the 17th century. The temple has a unique working sundial, which was installed on the wall of the building in the 17th century.
The 19th century water mill is a tourist highlight of Hoshcha. Equipment for the facility was brought from Holland. The fact that the mill was built way back in 1882 can be seen even now. There is a beam inside, on which the inscription of the family’s name and the year of construction can still be seen.
There is also an archaeological landmark dating back to the period of Kyivan Rus in the territory of the Community. Archaeologists have found human remains that were buried about six thousand years ago.
Economy and Welfare
Thanks to its location near the Kyiv-Chop international highway and its proximity to the city of Kyiv (300 km), the economy of the Hoshcha Community has additional competitive advantages.
The agricultural sector of the Community is represented by forty agro-industrial enterprises of various forms of ownership, including sixteen farms. The main crops grown in the territory of the Community are wheat, rapeseed, sunflower, soybean and corn, as well as vegetables, fruit, and berries.
Ritter Bio Agro carries out organic cultivation of agricultural crops and holds the Organic Standard certificate. In 2018, the company was the first in Ukraine to obtain certified organic sugar from organic beets.
Innovative enterprises producing disposable medical clothing, equipment for the food industry, chicken, and tobacco operate effectively as well.
In 2023, the relocated sewing enterprise Alexia from the Kharkiv Region resumed production in the territory of the Community.
Hoshcha candies, sausage products, honey, and craft cheeses became traditional products known outside Ukraine.
In the Community, one can enjoy quality Ukrainian cuisine made from fresh and natural foods. The caterers offer their guests not only excellent food, but also cosy rooms for relaxation.
The territories of the Community are a good springboard for eco-tourism as they have no environmentally harmful industries.
The Community actively develops its culture. Various cultural events are organized to enrich the cultural life of the region and inspire residents to new artistic achievements.
The Community has a great interest in self-development. Young people are actively involved in learning, developing their skills and improving their personality.
The Hoshcha Community aims at popularizing sports and a healthy lifestyle not only within our district, but also beyond it. Through active participation in sports competitions at various levels, our athletes become an integral part of the sports world positively representing our Community and raising its prestige on the international stage.
Ruth Charity Foundation provides extraordinary care and support to people with limited physical abilities and those having no home. The Ruth Foundation is relentlessly pursuing its mission of promoting inclusiveness and improving the quality of life of those in need of special attention and assistance.
An Eco-Town is built at the Hoshcha kindergarten – an area in the yard of the kindergarten, where there will be an “animal hotel”, paths for hedgehogs, feeders on trees, an open pavilion where one can spend time, draw in any weather and season, as well as a waste sorting station.
Community and War
Given its geographical location and remoteness from active combat zones, the Hoshcha Territorial Community has become a safe shelter for about 2,000 people since the beginning of the full-scale invasion. Today, there are 432 people who plan to stay there.
All the educational and cultural institutions have become permanent volunteer centres.
The team of the communal institution “Territorial Social Services Centre” together with the mobile brigade of social and psychological assistance and the support of director of the Ruth Charitable Foundation Ihor Holovchak raised funds for two FPV drones for a serviceman of the Armed Forces of Ukraine. Drones will become an important resource in communication, intelligence and security.
Charity fairs are held in the Community to support the Armed Forces of Ukraine.
On the occasion of the World Ukrainian Headscarf Day, the local women organized a rite of making Ukrainian dumplings while singing Ukrainian songs, showing their care and support for those who defend the independence and peace of Ukraine.
The local residents systematically hold various events, gatherings, fairs, exhibitions and sales in support of the Armed Forces of Ukraine and always actively participate in all the initiatives, weave nets and make trench candles.
On the occasion of the Social Worker Day, nets were woven for the military, which emphasizes the general spirit of unity that characterizes Ukrainian society.
Halyna Lyskevych, a 62-year-old volunteer, has been giving her care and making food for wounded soldiers for nine years. Inspired by her example, her neighbours and grandson join this noble cause. Together with relatives and like-minded people, she created a charity fund and raises funds and products for this cause. Because of her kind heart and care, the defenders call the volunteer Mum Halia, and she calls them children in return.
National unity and patriotism unite people with faith in a happy future for the Community and Ukraine in general.
People of the Community
In 2014, Mykola Panchuk became an active volunteer, was a co-founder of the nongovernmental organization “Volunteer Movement Together Hoshcha”, which has been sending aid to hot spots in Ukraine since the beginning of the war in Ukraine. Since the full-scale russian invasion of Ukraine, Mykola has strengthened the volunteer movement in the Community, involving international partners. On several occasions, he delivered humanitarian goods to areas of active hostilities all by himself.
Mykola Panchuk’s high achievement is the creation of the Community development department and the start of project management work in the Hoshcha Community. This made it possible to attract grant funds for the implementation of various ideas and projects: the tourist location “Date Quay”, festivals, a gastronomic almanac “Hoshcha Traditions”, the Administrative Services Centre, the youth centre “Klubok”, improvement of the material and technical resources of communal institutions, open a social laundry at the Social Services Centre, an inclusive children’s space at the children’s library, etc.
Andrii Zinchuk is a person who not only took part in the war, but also made a significant contribution to the well-being of his community after returning to peaceful life. After becoming the starosta of the Starosta-headed district, he took responsibility for the well-being and safety of the residents, showing care and devotion to his Community.
Development Strategy
The Community is working on a development strategy for 2017-2023. Local self-government representatives are working on the document in partnership with the Volyn Resource Centre, the City Sustainable Development Agency, and the USAID Hoverla projects.
The strategy for 2023-2027 will take into account previous developments with certain adjustments. They imply, in particular, changes in the Community’s economic policy, the arrival of enterprises relocated from the war zone. The planning of healthcare, education, and culture institutions will also be a component. It is planned to complete work on the strategy, present and approve the document by the end of the year.
The strategic mission of the Hoshcha Territorial Community is a clear and unwavering desire to become a successful and prosperous community, where business development, investment attraction, development of rural areas and creation of a happy environment for children would be harmoniously combined.
Its special pride will be the implementation of the project “Usmishka Tymoshi” for the treatment of children suffering from cancer in the village of Duliby, creating not only a medical facility, but also the heart of the Community, where children and parents will receive the necessary help and support.
Its good geographical location and transport routes, developed industrial infrastructure, fertile lands and hardworking people – all this creates amazing opportunities for business development in the Community.
The development of women’s entrepreneurship contributes to the growth of the economy and the improvement of social well-being across the Community. Their ideas, energy and entrepreneurial spirit stimulate the development and transformation of the town, making it more dynamic and attractive for life and businesses.
Environmental awareness is formed and nature conservation is emphasized across the Community from childhood.
The Hoshcha Community supports the revival of traditional crafts as an important part of cultural heritage.
A successful community means an emphasis on preserving the health, well-being and safety of its residents, especially children.