Klishkivtsi Territorial Community

Chernivtsi
Population:

The Klishkivtsi territorial community is located on the territory of the Dnistrovsky district of the Chernivtsi region.

The total area of the territory is 212,087 km2.
The population of the community is 15,363 people

Women: 4,785.
Men: 3,813.
Children: 2,726.
IDPs: 286.

The community includes 12 population centers and has its administrative center in the village of Klishkivtsi.

History

Klishkivtsi is one of the largest and oldest villages of Bukovyna, located 17 km north of the Dniester River and 25 km south of the Prut River. These geographical features create a picturesque landscape and favorable conditions for life in this area.

Among the special geographical points, it is worth noting Mount Lyshytsia which is also called Lysa Hora by local residents. It is the highest point in the area, and due to its openness on all sides, no buildings have been built on it. From the top of Lyshytsa, you can see almost the entire village, and on clear days even the Carpathians located 100 km to the west.

View of the center of the village of Klishkivtsi
View of the center of the village of Klishkivtsi

The first written mention of Klishkivtsi dates back to February 10, 1434.

An important stage in the history of the village was the year 1526, when the Moldavian master ceded his lands, including Klishkivtsi, to the Ottoman Empire. As a result, Klishkivtsi became part of the territory controlled by the Turks, but not inhabited by the Turks. The main task was to maintain the Turkish garrison in the Khotyn fortress.

Large warehouses were built in the village. This area is now known as “Mahaziya”. The people of Klishkivtsi and residents of neighboring villages brought here grain, flour and other products for the Turkish garrison.

Klishkivtsi were under Turkish rule until 1812, when, as a result of the Russian-Turkish war, the village was annexed to the Russian Empire.

At the beginning of the 20th century, a peasant uprising took place in Klishkivtsi under the influence of the Russian Revolution, during which the peasants seized 200 hectares of monastery land. Despite the arrest of the organizers, the land remained in the possession of the villagers.

In 1914, the mobilization of the population began, and many residents of Klishkivtsi took part in the hostilities of the First World War. During this time, the village underwent significant changes, including the reform of the administrative system and the development of education.

Holy Dormition Church of the village of Klishkivtsi
Holy Dormition Church of the village of Klishkivtsi Source

The village of Poliana, which is also part of the community, is located among the dense forests of the Khotyn highlands. The first written mention of Poliana dates back to 1659, but archaeological findings indicate that people have lived here since ancient times.

In the 9th–12th centuries, the Slavic tribes of Tyvertsi and Ulychi lived in the territory of the village. The name of the village probably comes from a large meadow in the middle of the Bukovyna forest (“poliana” translates as “meadow” into English).

Poliana has always been a free territory, where there was no serfdom, and the villagers were engaged in agriculture, cutting down forests and growing grain. In 1807, the first wooden church was built, which became an important spiritual center for local residents. At the end of the 19th century, intensive population growth began in Poliana, and immigrants from other regions arrived in the village.

According to legend, the village of Mlynky, got its name because of the large number of mills that once existed here (“mlynky” translates as “mills” into English). This population center was also part of the estates of the feudal lords who owned the villages of Klishkivtsi and Poliana. In 1905, local residents petitioned to open a school, but it was only possible to do so in the 1930s. During the Romanian occupation, the name of the village was changed to Mlinaut.

Klishkivtsi, Poliana and Mlynky are important parts of the history of Bukovyna, each of which has its own characteristics, legends and significant events. These villages are not only witnesses of historical events, but also places where the spirit of Ukrainian culture and traditions still lives.

It was here that Leonid Kadeniuk – the first cosmonaut of independent Ukraine – was born. In 1997, he flew on NASA’s Columbia space shuttle, which was a significant achievement for Ukrainian cosmonautics.

Leonid Kadeniuk before the start of Columbia
Leonid Kadeniuk before the start of Columbia Source

His contribution to the development of space science and technology is highly appreciated both at the national and international levels. For his achievements, Kadeniuk was awarded the title of Hero of Ukraine and Major General, which emphasizes his important role in the formation of the independent state.

Leonid Kadeniuk was the first (and so far the only) to raise the Ukrainian flag into space
Leonid Kadeniuk was the first (and so far the only) to raise the Ukrainian flag into space

In addition to his achievements in cosmonautics, Leonid Kadeniuk left a significant mark in the life of the Chernivtsi region, in particular in the village of Klishkivtsi where he was born. He was an honorary doctor of the Yu. Fedkovych Chernivtsi National University and an honorary citizen of the village of Klishkivtsi. His example inspires the youth of the region to achieve in science and technology, and his name has become a symbol of pride for the residents of the community.

Economy and Welfare

The economy and well-being of the Klishkivtsi territorial community have deep roots in agriculture, which plays a key role in ensuring the stability and development of the area.

Horticulture, as one of the main industries, not only provides employment for local residents, but also creates products that are in demand both in domestic and foreign markets.

There is also growth in other industries, including trade, catering, construction, window and door manufacturing, and garment manufacturing, which contributes to the diversification of the economy and increases its sustainability.

The Klishkivtsi community receiving a Lovol tractor from the USAID DOBRE Program
The Klishkivtsi community receiving a Lovol tractor from the USAID DOBRE Program Source

Transportation and household services also occupy an important place in the structure of the community’s economy, providing for the needs of both residents and businesses operating on its territory. The development of these sectors is important for improving the quality of life of the population, as well as for attracting investment and stimulating economic growth.

One of the key steps to ensure sustainable economic development of the community is participation in the project “Connecting communities for sustainable economic development (ConCom4EG)”. Within the framework of this initiative, the Klishkivtsi community is actively working on the creation of the Center for Professional and Creative Development, which will become an important hub for personnel training and the development of new competencies among the local population.

Stage 2 of the All-Ukrainian Olympiad on labor training with the use of equipment as part of the project “Connecting communities for sustainable economic development (ConCom4EG)
Stage 2 of the All-Ukrainian Olympiad on labor training with the use of equipment as part of the project “Connecting communities for sustainable economic development (ConCom4EG)"

The center will include three specialized workshops, where community residents will be able to acquire practical skills in various fields which will contribute to the development of small and medium-sized businesses, as well as increase the competitiveness of local enterprises. This, in turn, will contribute to the overall improvement of the community’s well-being, the creation of new jobs, and an increase in the standard of living of its residents. Participation in such projects demonstrates the community’s desire for innovative development and integration with European standards, which opens up new opportunities for its economic and social growth.

Community and War

As a result of the full-scale war, the Klishkivtsi territorial community underwent significant demographic changes. There was a significant outflow of the able-bodied population abroad, which affected the economic situation in the community.

Transfer of aid to the military from the community
Transfer of aid to the military from the community Source

However, at the beginning of the war, the community also received a significant number of internally displaced persons (IDPs). During the first six months of the war, more than 2,000 IDPs passed through the operational headquarters of the community, and now 286 displaced persons live in the community. They received shelter in communal facilities, religious institutions and private homes, for which international aid resources were mobilized, including household appliances, hygiene and food kits, clothing and medicines. Currently, all IDPs live in the private sector.

Provision of humanitarian aid to IDPs
Provision of humanitarian aid to IDPs

To ensure the safety of the residents of the community, an operational headquarters was created on the first days of the introduction of martial law and was headed by the deputy head of the village, Anatoliy Sapohivskyi. The headquarters organized a round-the-clock duty of 12 groups, which are engaged in notifying the population about the air alert and receiving calls to the official number of the headquarters. Notification systems have been installed in the administrative center of the community and starostats. It is important to note that, fortunately, there was no destruction on the territory of the community, but the war brought heavy losses of more than 20 dead servicemen.

Transfer of aid to the military
Transfer of aid to the military

The community actively helps military personnel on the front lines, providing support in the form of material aid, provision of necessary things and means for carrying out combat tasks.

The community is famous for its active and caring residents who participate in numerous initiatives aimed at community development and mutual support. Especially after the start of a full-scale invasion, the main emphasis was on volunteering and helping the military. Food, hygiene products, and clothing are regularly sent to the front from each Starosta-headed district. Aid is personally delivered by Starostas, local deputies and other residents who do not stand aside in difficult times.

Residents of the community prepare meals for the front
Residents of the community prepare meals for the front Source

People of the Community

The head of the Klishkivtsi territorial community, Viktor Dron, together with his team, is making significant efforts to develop the community and improve the living conditions of its residents.

Thanks to his initiative and desire to achieve real changes, the community was able to implement a number of important projects aimed at economic development, cultural enrichment and improving the quality of services. Viktor Dron is always open to cooperation with international and national partners, which allows the community to attract new resources and find opportunities for the community. His active position and leadership qualities are the basis of the successful development of the Klishkivtsi community even in today’s difficult conditions.

Dron Viktor, Head of the Community
Dron Viktor, Head of the Community

Before the war, the community actively participated in various cultural and social initiatives. Festivals, festive events and fairs were organized in Klishkivtsi annually and united residents and guests of the community.

One of the most famous events is the “Golden Autumn” fair, where local farmers and artisans presented their products. The festival “Days of the Klishkivtsi Community” gathered many visitors and became known outside the region.

Concert in the community
Concert in the community Source

During the war, the community continues to develop its projects aimed at strengthening economic capacity and envisages the creation of a Center for Professional and Creative Development, which will become the basis for further growth.

In cooperation with international partners, the community successfully implemented a number of important projects, such as arranging a market area in the village of Malyntsi, creating an open-air cinema “Sky-zone” and organizing a mobile laboratory for the development of scientific and research thinking among girls.

Open-air cinema “Sky-zone” on the territory of the Klishkivtsi community
Open-air cinema “Sky-zone” on the territory of the Klishkivtsi community

An important achievement was also the purchase of a tractor with attached equipment for road maintenance and the creation of a public media center “KlishkivtsiINFO”, which contributes to the development of awareness and the involvement of residents in community life.

These and other initiatives not only improve the quality of life in the community, but also strengthen the sense of coherence and unity among its residents.

Development Strategy

The Klishkivtsi territorial community prepared a sustainable development strategy for 2021-2027 aimed at ensuring sustainable economic growth, improving the quality of life of residents and creating favorable conditions for the development of business and tourism.

Management team meeting
Management team meeting

The main strategic goals of the community are as follows:

– The economic development of the community focused on developing business, creating jobs and attracting investment, in particular, in agriculture, tourism, local crafts and industry.

– Development of a comprehensive proposal for spending free time – creating conditions for rest and leisure through the development of sports, cultural and tourist infrastructure.

– Improvement of living conditions, development of social services, provision of high-quality medical care, education, as well as increasing of the level of security.

– Implementation of innovative management methods that will ensure transparency, efficiency and participation of citizens in decision-making.

List of Sources

 

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