On Wednesday, July 24, the U-LEAD team of experts from the Working Group on Education organised an info session on “Possibilities for the Development in Education Using Project Management Tools in the Municipality”. The event brought together educators and project cycle experts to share experience and knowledge. The participants were able to learn about the practical aspects of writing grant applications and the requirements of donors.
According to Tetiana Bordiuh, Head of the Regional Office of U-LEAD with Europe in the Zaporizhzhia Oblast, it is currently crucial for educators to focus on practical skills that will help them attract additional funds for schools.
“We are yet to discuss project activities in education. In addition to acquiring new knowledge, it also helps in acquiring practical skills to attract additional funds.”
U-LEAD expert on education Serhii Diatlenko noted:
“The mission of project management in schools is not to purchase equipment or replace windows or doors. Project activities should increase the educational capacity of the institution, promote the professional development of educators and teach children the practical application of theoretical knowledge.”
A key feature of the projects, as he emphasised, is that no one can force the school, educators, students, parents or founders of the institution to participate in the implementation of the initiatives:
“The project should be managed by someone who is motivated and passionate about it.”
Naturally, it is essential to involve high school students on a voluntary basis. They are more creative, motivated to change, are yet to face negative experiences and are not afraid to make mistakes. Young people are also well-versed in modern technology and more fluent in English, which is important as well.
The expert also provided guidance on the use of project management tools such as public participation budgets and grants.
U-LEAD project cycle management experts Oleh Kulinich and Petro Hotsaliuk shared their advice on implementing successful projects. Firstly, the project should be integrated into the municipal development strategy and provide an outlook for the future. Secondly, there should be staff, i.e. those who will implement the project, and the target audience, i.e. those who the project is targeting. Thirdly, communications and partnerships are very important.
Implementing projects in municipalities’ schools is wrought with a number of challenges, including the need to attract funding and support from local authorities. However, as experts emphasise, projects can be successfully implemented subject to partnering up with businesses and NGOs.
“Strategic planning and involvement of participants in the educational process are key elements of a successful project,” said Petro Hotsaliuk.
Oleh Kulinich introduced the participants to the criteria for evaluating grant applications. These include, among other things, the capacity of the applicant, its experience in the project field, its grant history, CVs and experience of key performers, as well as whether there are any partners (including foreign ones):
“The project application must fit the conditions of the competition. The project must have a social and economic effect, a tangible high-quality budget and a long-term impact.”
Representatives of the Khmelnytskyi and Volyn Oblasts shared their experiences of implementing projects in educational institutions.
Yuliia Stepaniuk, Principal of the Zymne Lyceum, Volyn Oblast, spoke about her educational institution’s participation in competitions and attracting funding in order to improve the infrastructure, introduce electronic document management, etc.
Svitlana Harbaruk, Deputy Principal of Educational Activities at the Krupets Lyceum, IT and Arts Teacher, presented the activities of the culinary co-working space, which became an important project for the educational institution. Over the course of two years, this initiative brought about new ideas and rallied the municipality around it, helping IDPs to integrate.
The lyceum received a grant of EUR 4,000 used to equip a DIY workshop with modern kitchen appliances. At first, it was to enhance the DIY lessons, but then they got creative. In the culinary co-working space, people now research local traditional dishes and hold integrated English, drawing and biology lessons. Students studied practical aspects of marketing and entrepreneurship by implementing the Flavour of Care Project. Furthermore, they managed to attract another project and purchase an industrial dryer to prepare dry borschts and soups for the Armed Forces.
“Both DIY lessons and technology are project activities. The students have grown in confidence and learned to use modern kitchen appliances; they are not afraid to experiment,” said Svitlana Harbaruk. Young people are now more proactive in events and charity fairs and initiate their own projects.
At the end of the info session, U-LEAD experts presented several current competitions and grants specific to education:
- Visegrad+ Grant Competition
- New European Bauhaus Open Call 2025
- Competition “Career Opportunities for YOUNG People with Disabilities”
- Grant Assistance for Human Security Projects “KUSANONE”.
