by Maksym Mazypchuk, Local Correspondent from Ukraine. People have to keep social distancing in the midst of a global health crisis. In this time, solidarity and social compassion play an important role. COVID 19 has changed the work of Ukrainian CSOs, which are facing unprecedented difficulties while working during “lockdown”. Many organizations are adapting to
by Stas Ghiletchi, Local Correspondent from Moldova COVID-19 has shut the world’s schools. Since the start of the pandemic, over 100 countries had taken a decision to close the classrooms. The Republic of Moldova followed the example of other countries and the Ministry of Education, Culture and Research suspended the education process in early March. Initially,
How COVID-19 changed life in Belarus: restaurants send food to hospitals, teachers sew face masks, and volunteers deliver them by Valeria Volkogonova, Local Correspondent from Belarus and Alexandra Savinich (Office for European Expertise and Communications) Many civic activists, NGO leaders, and managers work from home for almost two months. Self-isolation is voluntary in Belarus, and
by George Chanturia, Local Correspondent from Georgia. Much was written and discussed during the last days and even years about the Orthodox Church in Georgia and the problems associated with it. More specifically, whether Georgia is a secular state or not. Let’s begin with a chronology: On December 31st, 2019, China reported a cluster of cases of pneumonia in Wuhan,
by Maksym Mazypchuk, Local Correspondent from Ukraine. Since 2014, Ukraine has been conducting a political decentralization process that seeks to empower local self-governments and communities. The powers and funds are being transferred to the local level. Ukrainian cities are massively launching programs of participatory budgeting for increasing the residents’ awareness process of local budget forming
by Mari Chakryan, Local Correspondent from Armenia The involvement of women in political life, especially in community governance, remains low in Armenia, despite the fact that since 2004 the Government has adopted decrees and elaborated documents on enhancing the role of women in society to ensure equal opportunities. However, the percentage of women continues to
by George Chanturia, Local Correspondent from Georgia. In 2020 alone, 8 femicide cases occurred in Georgia. Obviously, authorities are also responsible for tackling this issue. However, in this blog, I want to point out several of the improvement areas that the CSOs have. It is early Sunday morning. Me and my dog are going for a walk. The
by Maksym Mazypchuk, Local Correspondent from Ukraine. In January 2020, the Ukrainian Wikipedia celebrated its 16th anniversary and announced the contest for the best articles. Since 2015, the Wikimarathon has been held annually on the birthday of the Ukrainian Wikipedia. The number of visitors to the Ukrainian Wikipedia is growing very fast. It is one
by Stas Ghiletchi, Local Correspondent from Moldova Local authorities are reluctant to encourage citizen participation because they believe that community involvement will put additional pressure on budgetary resources which are already very limited. The perception of the authorities is that citizens will get involved only to ask for more money for local services and infrastructure projects.
