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Novomykolaivka Territorial Community
Kherson
Population:
The Novomykolaivka territorial community is located in the Skadovsk district of the Kherson region.
The total area of the territory is 242 km2.
The population of the community is 5,919 people.
Women: 3,552.
Men: 2,36
IDPs: 2,545.
The community includes 7 population centers and has its administrative center in the village of Novomykolaivka.
History
The history of the community begins in 1861, when the village of Novomykolaivka was founded by immigrants from Bessarabia, descendants of Zaporizhian Cossacks and runaway serfs in the Katlakhai tract.
From 1872, the village had the St. Nicholas Church, where a parish school was opened. The first school building, built by the community in 1883, had one classroom and an apartment for the teacher. 12 students studied there.
In the late 19th century, Greek and Serbian families joined the community, adding diversity to the cultural makeup of the population.
The community was famous for its hardworking, wealthy peasants who farmed on their own land. The Holodomor of 1932–1933 and Stalin’s repressions were tragic pages in history. During World War II, the community was occupied by German troops from 1941 to 1943.
Today, the community is once again going through difficult times. Since February 24, 2022, it has been occupied by russian troops.
This new wave of aggression has brought continued repression, persecution, and violations of the rights of the local population. The occupiers are trying to destroy the identity of the community, erasing Ukrainian culture, language, and traditions. Despite this, the community residents remain cohesive and unbreakable. They support each other, resist the occupation regime, convey the truth about what is happening, and maintain faith in liberation. The community is a symbol of resilience and courage, proving that even in the most difficult conditions, people are able to fight for their freedom and dignity.
Economy and Welfare
Fertile dark chestnut-brown soils, a warm temperate continental climate, and generous southern sunshine create ideal conditions for growing vegetables, melons, grains, and industrial crops.
Before the russian war against Ukraine, the community demonstrated a strong agricultural potential: an agricultural production cooperative and 26 farms successfully operated here. The bulk of lands was part of the personal farms of local residents.
In addition to agriculture, the community had a developed trade and service sector. This sector included 125 private entrepreneurs who catered for various needs of residents and guests of the community. Among them were gas stations, car service stations, grocery markets, pharmacies, cafes, delivery services, and even a hotel.
Thanks to this, the community’s economy ensured stable well-being for its residents and contributed to its development as a self-sufficient and active community.
The war has presented the community with serious challenges, but the local spirit of enterprise and desire to rebuild remain unwavering.
Community and War
Russian troops invaded the community’s territory on the first day of the full-scale war.
Exit via the Antonivskyi Bridge, connecting the banks of the Dnipro, was blocked. Terrible fighting deprived residents of the opportunity to evacuate, but they did not give up and began to organize civil resistance.
Local residents scattered nails and metal objects on the roads, sawed down trees, removed road signs, photographed the occupants’ equipment, and passed this information on to the Armed Forces of Ukraine.
During the blockade, the community demonstrated extraordinary solidarity. The shortage of food and medicine made people organize themselves: they took grain to the mill, made flour and pasta, and shared food and medicine. This mutual assistance helped them survive the occupation.
However, repression by the occupiers continues to this day. The community lacks medical services, is subjected to forced passporting, and Ukrainian literature has been destroyed. Schoolchildren are forced to study according to russian standards, punished for using the Ukrainian language, and made to join propaganda organizations that distort the history of Ukraine. In such conditions, community residents continue their silent resistance: they paint patriotic inscriptions on buildings and roads, pass information to each other, and maintain contact with their relatives in the territory controlled by Ukraine.
Over 50% of the population managed to leave the temporarily occupied community. Many people found refuge in the rear areas of Ukraine and abroad.
The kindergarten is active and currently 26 children and 2 teachers are studying and teaching remotely during the war.
There are two education institutions operating, where 38 teachers teach, 396 children are educated, of which 194 children are in the temporarily occupied territory and 165 are abroad.
A humanitarian center for the assistance of IDPs of the Kherson region “Free Together” has been established in the city of Ivano-Frankivsk. It is headed by the head of the community, Yevheniia Hliebova. The center provides support to internally displaced persons: psychological and legal consultations, courses for the unemployed, assistance in employment, organization of leisure and joint events.
The community’s residents, even in difficult conditions, do not lose faith in liberation. They demonstrate courage and strength of spirit, uniting Ukrainians around the struggle for freedom, dignity, and the right to a peaceful life.
Community People
The Novomykolaivka community is a place where active residents and professional leadership join forces to improve life. The community is headed by Yevheniia Hliebova, who is an example of responsible leadership.
From 2015 to 2020, she served as village head, and now continues to support her fellow countrymen, ensuring stability and development even during difficult times of war.
Under her leadership, more than 30 social initiatives have been implemented thanks to grant programs from the British Council, the Ukrainian Cultural Foundation, the Renaissance Foundation, and other partners.
The main achievements include: major repairs of street lighting, restoration of the park area in the center of the community, replenishment of the library with Ukrainian literature; construction of a modern general practice family medicine outpatient clinic, and a number of social action projects implemented together with active citizens.
Project pitching sessions were also held in the community for local activists.
The community is also famous for its cultural activity. In 2019, the “Pshenychne Pereveslo” festival was launched – a holiday that unites creative groups and guests from different regions. This ethnographic and folklore event has become a true symbol of unity and respect for traditions.
The Novomykolaivka community is a space where people work with inspiration for common prosperity, strengthen ties with each other, and build a future they believe in. This is a place where the initiative of each resident becomes part of a great story.
Development Strategy
The Novomykolaivka community is focused on sustainable development, preserving natural resources, and creating conditions for economic growth.
Key areas of community development:
- Powerful potential in growing crops.
- The development of the processing industry will create added value and promote employment for the local population.
- Supporting local entrepreneurs and developing craft production — from food to handicrafts — will help strengthen the economy and promote the local brand.
- The area of development of sheep breeding is promising as there is the potential for the production of meat and textile products.
The use of solar and wind energy will help reduce dependence on traditional energy sources and improve the environmental situation in the region.
Developing infrastructure for rural tourism, organizing excursions, festivals, and creating cozy places to relax will help attract tourists and generate additional revenue for the budget.
Each of these areas is based on the resources and needs of the community, taking into account its cultural heritage, geographical location and natural features. Investments in innovative solutions and active cooperation with residents, businesses and international partners will help bring these ideas to life and ensure the prosperity of the Novomykolaivka community.