For the past five years, we have been working together with the Parliamentary Educational Center to advance civic education in Ukraine! On July 19, we celebrated the Center's 5th anniversary, where more than 120 attendees, including the leadership of the Verkhovna Rada of Ukraine, MPs, international donors, and active youth, gathered to discuss the achievements and future plans of the Educational Center. The event was supported by USAID RADA: Next Generation.
In her welcoming remarks, Julie Koenen, USAID Mission Director to Ukraine, stated, "USAID is proud to continue supporting the Parliamentary Education Center, enabling them to provide Ukrainian youth with access to vital information. By doing so, USAID is investing in Ukraine's democratic future, equipping young people with the tools they need to actively participate in decision-making. This will ensure that Ukraine's European path is restored transparently and accountably, both during and after the brutal Russian war."
USAID RADA: Next Generation has been instrumental in systematically developing parliamentary education in Ukraine. The Program has supported the Parliamentary Educational Center's growth, enabling it to conduct educational activities and study best practices from parliaments around the world.
Marten Enberg, Director of USAID RADA: Next Generation, emphasized the importance of investing in youth: "Children and youth are the future of every society and country. Ukraine's democratic development is directly linked to the younger generation. Parliamentary civic education helps to form civic competencies and instills a sense of responsibility. That is why we will continue to support the Educational Center, promoting the development of civic education for a better future for young people."
Despite the challenges posed by the pandemic and the ongoing war, the VRU Educational Center has held 840 events over the past five years, reaching more than 300,000 Ukrainians.
The Speaker of the Verkhovna Rada, Ruslan Stefanchuk, praised these efforts, saying, "The idea of education will ensure the sustainability and continuity of the history of Ukrainian parliamentarism. The Parliament will always be open to all who seek enlightenment. It's not just about openness; it's about transferring knowledge, energy, and experience. I am grateful to the Educational Center team for staying connected with young people and passing on this experience. I see the enthusiastic eyes of the children, and it is crucial because they are our next generation, our future parliamentarians, and government officials."
Read more about the event here.
