KOROVYNTSI Territorial COMMUNITY

History

The administrative centre of the community is the village of Korovyntsi.

The history of Korovyntsi is inseparable from the history of the Ukrainian people. This territory, ancient Slavic land, once formed part of Kyivan Rus.

Archaeological excavations, carried out multiple times on the territory of the village, provide evidence that people lived here in ancient times, and the history of the settlement stretches back into deep antiquity. On the right bank of the Sula River, there still stand burial mounds, raised by human hands about 2,500 years ago. These are monuments of the Scythians. Excavations have led scholars to conclude that the Scythians lived here and led a settled way of life.

In some historical sources, the foundation of Korovyntsi is linked to the 11th century. However, at that time, the Posullia region was sparsely populated due to frequent raids by nomadic tribes. Therefore, it is difficult to state that Korovyntsi was a permanent settlement in those times. Most likely, people began to live permanently in Korovyntsi around 1660–1680, as noted in archival historical documents. The very name Korovyntsi does not have a clearly defined origin. Some suggest it comes from a shallow crossing over the Sula River, the so-called “Cow Ford”.

Another version ties the name to the period of the Northern War between Russia and Sweden, when so many people were killed in these lands that the ground was covered with blood – hence “Kroviantsi” (“bloody place”).

In the 19th century, a landowner from among the German colonists – Baron Mengden – settled in the village. He lived here with his family until the Revolution of 1917. It is from his name that the local landmark “Baron’s Hill”, located on the central Sumy–Kyiv road, is derived. The village once had two churches: St Nicholas Church, built in 1757 and St Michael’s Church, built in 1752 with funds donated by parishioners.

Economy and Welfare

The economy of the Korovyntsi Community is primarily agrarian, with other sectors playing a limited role. This reflects the typical structure of rural communities in Ukraine.

The economic profile is largely based on agriculture. It is the main field of employment for the local population and the principal source of income for the community.

The leading agricultural enterprises operating on the territory of the community are: Agrofirma “Dovira 2008”, engaged in both crop production and animal husbandry, particularly dairy cattle farming, “SK Agro”, “Druzhba Nova”,
“Agrobiznes TSK.” In addition, individual farmers and private entrepreneurs are also engaged in agricultural activities, primarily in crop cultivation. Small businesses operate in retail trade, services, and transport.

In total, over 100 economic entities are active within the community.

The village of Korovyntsi has a modern out-patient family medicine clinic.

Education is another area that functions effectively within the Korovyntsi Community, with a significant share of the local budget allocated to it. The sector is represented by two educational institutions: Korovyntsi Secondary School and Korovyntsi Preschool Education Institution (nursery-kindergarten) “Sonechko”

The school hosts numerous extracurricular clubs of artistic, aesthetic, physical, humanitarian, and educational focus. The preschool division of the Tomashivka educational unit runs an art club called “Coloured Palms”.

Sports clubs such as “Volleyball” and “Football” also operate in the school, and their members actively participate in community events.

Cultural life is represented by the Korovyntsi Centre of Culture and Leisure, a municipal institution. Several artistic groups here hold the title of “People’s”: People’s Amateur Theatre, People’s Amateur Male Vocal Ensemble “Koloryt”, People’s Amateur Folk Song Ensemble “Ternytsia”, People’s Amateur Male Vocal Ensemble “Nashchadky Tomasha”

The Community and the War

At the beginning of the full-scale Russian invasion of Ukraine, in February–March 2022, the community was partly occupied. Russian military equipment moved through the area.

From the very first days of the war, the residents of Korovyntsi Community rose to defend their homeland against Russian aggression. Today, more than 100 men from the community are serving in the Armed Forces of Ukraine. So far, 12 soldiers from the community have been killed, 6 are missing in action, and more than 20 have been severely wounded.

Those residents who cannot fight at the front are actively engaged in volunteer organisations, supporting Ukrainian troops from the rear.

Since the beginning of active hostilities, more than 20 camouflage nets have been delivered to the front.

Great attention is also given to assisting internally displaced persons. Since the outbreak of the war, the Korovyntsi Community has hosted more than 500 IDPs.

People of the Community

Since the start of the full-scale Russian invasion of Ukraine, the Korovyntsi Community has been headed by the Secretary of the Village Council, Valentyna Kryshtopa.

The community is rich in talented and creative individuals whose fame has spread far beyond its borders. Among them is the artist Volodymyr Ripa.

Development Strategy

The effective functioning of the Korovyntsi Community is based on strategic planning. The Development Strategy of the community, covering the period until 2027, envisages:

-construction of a new anti-radiation shelter at the Korovyntsi Secondary School

– renovation and equipping of the shelter at the Korovyntsi Preschool Institution “Sonechko”

-major repair of community roads

Sources

• Official website of the Korovyntsi Village Council – korovynska-gromada.gov.ua
• Facebook page – facеbook.com/korovins.ka.sil.s.ka.rada
• Collection of photographs, taken by community specialists.