Online Roundtable Discusses Development of Volunteer Firefighting Movement in Ukraine
An online roundtable focused on the advancement of the volunteer firefighting movement in Ukraine and the sharing of successful experiences took place recently. The event gathered representatives from seven communities that have successfully initiated and actively developed volunteer fire teams with the support of the International Solidarity Fund.
Key Discussion Topics
During the meeting, participants exchanged insights into the establishment and operation of volunteer fire brigades, emphasizing both the challenges and future prospects for this important movement. Several pivotal topics were on the agenda:
— The effectiveness of volunteer fire teams
— Collaboration with the State Emergency Service
— Community involvement
— Volunteer motivation
— Local government support
— Debunking myths surrounding volunteer firefighting
A particularly compelling success story emerged from the volunteer fire team in the village of Blagodatne, presented by the village head, Dmytro Shevchenko, and the team leader, Maksym Masyuk. They shared their experiences and the obstacles they faced in forming and developing their team.
The project titled «Firefighters: Strengthening the Capacities of Ukrainian Communities through the Creation of Volunteer Fire Teams» is being implemented with support from the Polish Development Cooperation Program under the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Poland and the Bureau of European and Eurasian Affairs of the U.S. Department of State.
This event highlighted the vital role that volunteer firefighters play in enhancing community safety and resilience, particularly in the face of increasing challenges from natural disasters and emergencies. The collaborative efforts showcased during the roundtable reflect a growing commitment within Ukraine to bolster local capacities and foster a spirit of community service through volunteerism.
