Trostyanets
Development of Global Partnerships
Gmina Boguchwała, Republic of Poland
Date of signing the partnership agreement: 18.10.2013
Current Mayor: Wiesław Kąkol
The partnership between the Trostyanets City Hromada and the city of Boguchwała is one of the longest and most successful examples of international cooperation for the hromada. It is based on many years of friendship, mutual trust, active exchange of experience, and a shared goal of developing local self-government.
The official basis for cooperation was the signing of a partnership agreement between the sides. This agreement opened wide opportunities for cooperation in municipal management, education, culture, tourism, youth policy, housing and utilities services, and the implementation of joint investment projects. Since then, the partnership has continued to grow and develop through new practical initiatives.
One of the main areas of cooperation is the exchange of professional experience. Representatives of the Trostyanets hromada have repeatedly taken part in working visits to Boguchwała, where they studied modern approaches to the organization of municipal institutions, cultural development, library services, fire safety, and management. The experience gained is being implemented in the work of institutions in the Trostyanets hromada.
Thanks to studying Polish experience, Trostyanets started the reform of its library system — transforming traditional libraries into modern multifunctional coworking centers for children, youth, and adults. The experience of Rzeszów, located near Boguchwała, also became valuable. Some of its solutions were taken into account during the modernization and organization of the Trostyanets City Hospital.
During working visits, representatives of Trostyanets also carefully studied the role of a football club in creating the city’s brand, strengthening local identity, and involving young people in active community life. Special attention was also paid to modern residential districts and new neighborhoods developed by the Polish partners. Some approaches to urban planning and territorial development became important examples for future projects in Trostyanets, because similar examples of such a comprehensive approach are still rare in Ukraine.
An important part of cooperation is also the study of Polish experience in renovating old industrial buildings and transforming them into modern public spaces, cultural centers, tourist locations, and social facilities. These ideas are considered as a promising direction for the future development of Trostyanets.
Educational institutions of the hromada are also actively involved in international cooperation. Representatives of the State Educational Institution “Trostyanets Professional Lyceum” visited Polish partners to learn about modern approaches to education, the organization of the educational process, and cooperation between educational institutions, local businesses, and the community.
Educational and youth exchanges also play an important role in cooperation. Delegations of teachers, school principals, and specialists from different fields participated in joint events, studied school management experience, modern educational practices, and new approaches to youth development.
Cultural diplomacy and participation in joint public events are another important area of partnership. Delegations from Boguchwała repeatedly visited Trostyanets during City Day celebrations and other events, while representatives of Trostyanets took part in festive events. Over the years of cooperation, many joint events, working meetings, professional visits, and cultural exchanges have taken place, creating strong friendly ties between the residents of both hromadas.
After the beginning of the full-scale war, the Polish partners continued to actively support the Trostyanets hromada. Boguchwała contributed to the training of specialists, helped in finding new opportunities for international cooperation, and participated in joint project initiatives aimed at the recovery and development of the hromada.
An important contribution to the development of partnership relations was made by leaders, including former gmina president Wiesław Dronka, as well as representatives of the municipality who consistently supported the development of cooperation with Trostyanets.
The partnership between Trostyanets and Boguchwała is an example of how long-term international relations can become real joint achievements, mutual support, and new opportunities for hromada development. This cooperation continues to be an important part of European integration and strengthening local self-government.
