Shalyhyne community

Sumy
Population:

Population6309 people  (before Russian full-scale invasion of Ukraine)

Shalyhyne community consists of: 1 settlement (Shalyhyne) and 8 villages: Shalyhyne,Vovkivka, Hudove, Yemadykyne, Katerynivka, Svarkove, Sosnivka, Starykove and Khodyne.

Shalyhyne community is located on the border with the Russian Federation.

History 

Shalyhyne village was founded in late sixteenth – early seventeenth century. The name comes from the name of one of the settlers – Shalygyn, who received a plot of land here for his military service. The history of the community is strongly connected with the development of the sugar industry, which was one of the most developed in the region. One of the sugar factories belonging to the famous Tereshchenko dynasty, was located in the community. The Tereshchenko family were entrepreneurs and philanthropists who strongly influenced the development of this part of Ukraine.

Mykola Tereshchenko
Mykola Tereshchenko

One of the main monuments of the community is the Church of St. Elijah. Restored in the 1990s, it is the center of the spiritual life of the community.

Church of St. Elijah. Photo provided by the village council
Church of St. Elijah. Photo provided by the village council

Natural resources 

In Shalyhyne there is a unique hydrological nature monument Seven springs, also known as Cretaceous well. The water temperature here in summer and winter does not exceed 4 ° C. The Seven springs have great natural and historical value, as well as special taste and healing properties.

Seven Springs
Seven Springs
Ambulance in Shalyhyne community
Ambulance in Shalyhyne community

Healthcare 

The community has its own ambulance service. There are also outpatient clinics, first aid posts and a cardiograph in each settlement of the community.

Participatory budget

The process of budgeting in the community is participatory. Each resident can participate in the distribution of municipal funds by proposing or  supporting certain development projects. Many important projects, including renovation of recreational areas, paths, gazebos and the house of culture in Sosnivka village were implemented using the costs allocated through participatory budget.

Renovated recreation area
Renovated recreation area

Culture 

There are six culture clubs in Shalyhyne community. Local residents take an active part in cultural life, they organize theatrical performances and village festivals.

Singing girls from Shalyhyne
Singing girls from Shalyhyne
Carol singing in Sosnivka
Carol singing in Sosnivka

Sport

There are 3 stadiums in the community, where regular football and volleyball competitions take place. 

Volleyball Cup of the community
Volleyball Cup of the community
Football Cup
Football Cup

Community and the War

Shalyhyne community is l only 3 km away from the Russian border . 

The Russians passed us by and moved forth,” 

said Galyna Matosova, the deputy head of the community. 

However, the community suffered heavy losses. The bridge in the community was fully destroyed. Now, the community can be reached only through a bypass road.

Yuriy Matviyenko
Yuriy Matviyenko Source

The village head

Yuriy Matviyenko is the head of the Shalyhyn territorial community. He has held this position since 2020. Yuriy Matvienko was born on July 17, 1972 and has graduated from the university.

The development strategy

There are 2 key priorities for the development of the community. First is development and reconstruction of infrastructure. Second is the development of green tourism.

There is all that is needed for this in the community: protected areas and natural landscapes, highly productive land plots potentially attractive for investors, forests and  natural water resources.

Sources: 

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