Tyshkivka Territorial Community

Kirovohrad
Population:

The Tyshkivka Community is situated in Novoukrainka Raion, Kirovohrad Oblast.

Total area: 271.73 sq km.
Population: 3,710
Women: 1,903
Men: 1,807
Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs): 278

It consists of 11 settlements. The administrative centre of the community is located in the village of Tyshkivka.

History

The Tyshkivka Community has a rich history that dates back thousands of years. Archaeological research shows that these lands were settled in the Neolithic period of the VI-IV millennia BC. The remains of Trypillian culture settlements, as well as monuments of the Bronze Age, Scythian, Cimmerian, and Sarmatian times were found here.

On the territory of the community, mounds and household items were found that testify to the life of the Proto-Slavic tribes.

These lands also became important transportation routes, in particular the Chumak Way and the Black Way, along which various peoples such as the Scythians, Sarmatians, and Goths travelled. This crossroads of cultures and peoples has left a significant mark on history.

One of the most famous events was the battle of 1362. It took place between the Lithuanian-Russian army led by Prince Olgerd and the Tatar khans, not far from modern Tyshkivka. This victory was important for the subsequent history of the region, but in Soviet historiography it was often ignored in favour of the Battle of Kulikovo.

House of Culture. Photo from the 1960s
House of Culture. Photo from the 1960s

The village of Tyshkivka was founded in the middle of the eighteenth century, and according to legend, its first inhabitant was a soldier named Tyshko who settled near the Berezivka River.

In the middle of the eighteenth century, the territory of the community gradually developed. The locals were engaged in farming, crafts, and animal husbandry, and the fertile black soil became the basis for the prosperity of agriculture. From the very beginning, the village was part of important trade and cultural routes connecting central Ukraine with the southern regions.

In the nineteenth century, Tyshkivka, like most Ukrainian villages, went through hard times – the peasants suffered from serfdom, poverty, and social changes that took place in the empire. However, even during this period, the community preserved its cultural identity, maintaining traditions and rituals that were passed down from generation to generation.

After the 1917 revolution and during the interwar years, Tyshkivka underwent changes that were typical for the whole of Ukraine. Collectivization and repression during the Soviet period left a heavy mark on the village’s history. However, the locals did not lose their ability to work and their spirit, and the village continued to develop even in the face of economic difficulties.

A brick factory. Photo from the 1960s
A brick factory. Photo from the 1960s

In the post-war years, the community actively restored agriculture. During this time, several important infrastructure facilities were built, such as schools, cultural centres, and hospitals. However, as in many other villages in Ukraine, life in Tyshkivka was not without its difficulties, and the Soviet system affected the socio-economic situation of the community.

Ukraine’s independence in 1991 marked a new stage for the Tyshkivka Community. Throughout the 1990s and 2000s, the community experienced economic difficulties, but eventually began to rebuild its economy, focusing on agriculture and agribusiness. Natural resources and fertile land have become the basis for the development of entrepreneurship in the agricultural sector.

Today, the Tyshkivka Community is a place that combines a rich historical heritage with modern ambitions and aspirations for development. The people of the community retain their traditional hospitality, but at the same time focus on innovation and sustainable development in the future.

Economy and Welfare

The Tyshkivka Community owns agricultural land located on fertile black soil, which is the basis for its economic potential. The community’s agriculture is well developed and diverse. Its favourable economic and geographical location near important transportation routes gives it advantages in terms of logistics development and access to markets. 

The main areas of agriculture in the Tyshkivka Community are wheat, corn, and sunflower. These cultures are the basis for the economic stability of the community.

Wheat is the main grain crop, and its cultivation not only meets the food needs of the community, but also contributes to the development of processing enterprises such as flour mills. Due to its versatility, corn is used in both the food and feed industries and is also actively used for bioenergy production. Sunflower provides an important market for oil production, which also supports the local economy.

In addition, the community is actively developing livestock enterprises, in particular pig farming. Local pig farms ensure a stable demand for meat and other animal products, which allows businesses not only to meet the needs of the domestic market but also to look for export opportunities.

The community is also actively working to improve agricultural technologies, using the latest farming methods to increase production efficiency. In addition, small businesses and entrepreneurship are developing, particularly in the agricultural processing industry, which opens up new opportunities for local residents.

Thanks to such enterprises, the Tyshkivka Community continues to develop, creating new opportunities for economic growth and improving the living standards of its residents.

The Community and the War

From the very beginning of the full-scale invasion, the Tyshkivka Community has demonstrated unwavering support and commitment to Ukraine. 

Local residents united in the fight against the aggressor, turning into real heroes. Many of them became volunteers, actively helping the military and internally displaced persons.

The residents established a charitable foundation “Volia do Peremohy”

Charity fair for the needs of the Armed Forces of Ukraine
Charity fair for the needs of the Armed Forces of Ukraine

The canteens of local educational institutions have organized the preparation of home-cooked meals, such as dumplings, pies and various canned foods. These meals are regularly sent to the front line, where Ukrainian soldiers feel the care and support of their countrymen. In addition, the community actively organizes collections of food, hygiene products, clothing and other necessary items for internally displaced persons and the Armed Forces of Ukraine.

The Tyshkivka Village Council donated a UAZ for the needs of the Armed Forces and a generator.
The Tyshkivka Village Council donated a UAZ for the needs of the Armed Forces and a generator. Source

The community has also created a support network for IDPs, providing temporary shelter and assistance with adaptation. Despite the difficult times, people continue to be a support for their countrymen, contributing to the common victory.

Community People

The Acting Head of the Tyshkivka Community is Tetiana Vysochanska, secretary of the village council. A leader who has been leading the community since the first days of the invasion and has inspired numerous initiatives aimed at developing the community and improving the quality of life of its residents. 

Thanks to her managerial skills and joint work with a team of like-minded people, the community was able to successfully implement projects in various fields: from infrastructure development to support for social initiatives. Under her leadership, the community managed to create conditions for the active development of the agricultural sector, attract investments and stimulate local entrepreneurship.

Head of the Community (at the microphone)
Head of the Community (at the microphone)

She pays special attention to the development of education and medicine. Projects have been developed here to modernize the community’s educational institutions, including improving the material and technical base and creating conditions for comfortable learning for children. A significant part of the community’s efforts is also aimed at improving the accessibility of medical services, in particular by renovating medical facilities and providing them with modern equipment.

Community Football Club
Community Football Club "Agrotekh"

After the outbreak of the full-scale war, the community leader and her team organized numerous humanitarian initiatives: collecting food, hygiene products, and medical supplies for the Armed Forces of Ukraine and internally displaced persons. She actively supports the volunteer movement and is always at the centre of events, helping to coordinate volunteer work and provide the necessary assistance to community members and the military.

Planting a young forest by young community members
Planting a young forest by young community members

In May 2023, a police station was opened in the community, and a police car was purchased as part of the partnership. The officer actively interacts with local residents, monitors law and order, and conducts various preventive talks with children and teenagers.

Community police officer Dmytro Usenko
Community police officer Dmytro Usenko

The residents here are proactive and make every effort to develop the community. They take part in clean-ups, beautify public areas, plant trees and create cosy places to relax. In addition, residents are actively involved in organizing festive events, cultural initiatives and charity events.

Traditional community clean-up
Traditional community clean-up

Thanks to their commitment and joint work, projects that improve living conditions in the community and maintain its positive image are implemented. These people are an example of cohesion that inspires others.

Development Strategy

Prior to the full-scale invasion, the Tyshkivka Community had a clearly defined development strategy, focusing on improving infrastructure, raising the quality of education and healthcare services, and developing the agricultural sector. 

The planned initiatives included the modernization of local water supply and sewage networks, road upgrades, and the development of new centres for children to improve access to quality education. 

An important aspect was also the creation of new jobs and the development of agriculture through the introduction of innovative methods of agricultural production, which was to ensure stable economic growth.

Tyshkivka Village Council session.
Tyshkivka Village Council session. Source

However, with the outbreak of war, these plans were supplemented by new challenges. The community continues to work on its strategic goals, but pays special attention to mobilizing resources to support the military and internally displaced persons. Rebuilding the infrastructure has become even more important as it is necessary to ensure stability in the crisis. Here, they continue to actively develop the agricultural sector, adapting it to new conditions, and rely on economic diversification, including the development of eco-tourism and support for local businesses.

International Children's Day.
International Children's Day. Source

Thus, even in the midst of war, the Tyshkivka Community is striving not only to preserve but also to strengthen its position for the future, improving the living standards of its residents and ensuring sustainable development for future generations.

If you want to contact an Ukrainian community or have additional questions regarding the project please contact us: [email protected]