"It's high time the youth got actively involved in government policy and state bodies. Our shoulders will bear the burden of the war and post-war reconstruction. The critical mass of conscious people has increased significantly, and I do believe we can build a better Ukraine," says Liliia Tertyshna.
At 32, she holds a master's degree in law, her own written monograph on commercial law, and aspires to become a parliamentarian in order to change Ukraine. Moreover, in October 2023, she strengthened her rich background with a completed internship program at the Research Service of the Verkhovna Rada of Ukraine (RSVRU), supported and facilitated by the USAID RADA: Next Generation program (RANG).
In launching this internship program, USAID seeks to train staff who will professionally strengthen the institutional capacity of the Parliamentary Research Service (RSVRU). The RSVRU was established in August 2022, just a few months after Russia's brutal full-scale invasion of Ukraine. The institution’s goal is to provide the Verkhovna Rada representatives with objective information, high-quality analytics, and professional training. The RSVRU will increase the effectiveness of parliamentary decisions that affect the lives of all Ukrainians.
In 2023, out of more than fifty applicants, RANG selected and awarded scholarships to three interns who spent six months working in Parliamentary Research Service departments. Tetiana Bibik, RANG Deputy Director, says it is essential to create opportunities for young people to bring their voice to government bodies and help them influence policy-making: "It is crucial to understand how state institutions work to determine what changes they need and how we can develop them."
Over the course of six months, the interns prepared more than 30 information and analytical materials. Additionally, RANG's experts held a series of lectures and workshops for the interns (e.g., on parliamentary oversight, gender legal expertise of draft laws, advocacy, etc.) and organized a face-to-face meeting with Natalia Pipa, the Ukrainian MP. Liliia Tertyshna says the internship helped her grow as a professional legal analyst and future lawmaker. Tertyshna believes the knowledge and insights she gained at that meeting were invaluable, but the opportunity to improve her communication skills in a professional setting was her key takeaway.
"We work in a political environment, and it is challenging. I learned life lessons that were more about communication,observed how people behaved, and watched how my colleagues handled difficult situations. It taught us how to tackle a whole range of issues with dignity. I also wanted to present youth corporate culture in the RSVRU. We are the next generation, and we must bring our culture and mindset to state institutions. That's why I was thrilled to hear that my boss had learned something from me. It is probably my best achievement," Ms. Tertyshna shares.
Lesya Vaolevska, the RSVRU's director, expressed her deep appreciation for the interns' efforts. Vaolevska said, "I had the opportunity to work with all interns, and I’d like to thank them for their help. They prepared analytical materials so professionally and quickly. I also hope you have picked up some new skills and now have a more rounded understanding of analyzing legislation from our cooperation. We thank the RANG for providing all necessary assistance. Two interns are still students, but I’m hoping they’ll join our team after graduation. We are growing, so we welcome them."
Liliia Tertyshna accepted a job offer and successfully transitioned from RSVRU intern to employee. She likes that this institution is new, dynamic, and open to change: "I am a reformer. When an institution is just established, it is much more interesting to work in it. Moreover, I like the Verkhovna Rada as an institution, and I like to analyze the legislation. Sooner or later, I see myself as an MP. And this internship is an excellent foundation to prepare future parliamentarians and their assistants."
Artem Yanchuk, Deputy Head of the Verkhovna Rada's Secretariat, awarded the interns certificates and acknowledged the importance of such programs. He emphasized that they help government bodies develop institutional memory: "We need to build our institutional capacity. We will reach that when these interns teach other young people. RANG's internship program is beneficial because it engages young people and gives them opportunities to test themselves in the public sphere. The state needs their knowledge and skills."
Young people can be a powerful force for qualitative change for all Ukrainian state bodies. As Liliia Tertyshna says, "The war allows us to take a quantum leap toward the world of democratic values and powerful institutions. Having bronchitis and sinusitis and hiding from Russian rockets in a parking lot, you perceive everything differently and seek ways to make immediate change. You understand that there is no time to relax if you want to escape from authoritarian Russia’s influence. I'm ready to contribute to such changes, and it would be my greatest achievement."
The interns and stakeholders positively evaluated the youth internship initiative, and so the USAID RADA: Next Generation program intends to repeat this project in 2024. In such a difficult time for Ukraine, Parliament must make sound decisions and adopt effective laws, which are impossible without high-quality analytics and objective information. The Parliamentary Research Service can fill these gaps and help Ukrainian MPs. With such motivated young people, Ukraine is destined to achieve a successful post-war reconstruction.
