Interregional cooperation

The Vysočina Region and the Zakarpattia Oblast of Ukraine

Why partnership of these exact regions

A shared history and common historical ties within several states (the Great Moravian Empire, Kievan Rus, the Kingdom of Bohemia, Austria, Austria-Hungary, the first independent Czechoslovak Republic).
Trade and political cooperation (since 8th century AD, proven by archaeological finds).
Togetherness and closeness of Slavic nations.
Similar nature of both regions in terms of landscape and geological conditions, territorial division of the regions, cultural and folklore traditions, religious and Christian traditions.
Linguistic proximity of both regions.
A similar mentality of the nations (in contrast to Western, Nordic or Southern European countries).

History of establishment of COOPERATION

On 25 to 28 July 2007, a preparatory trip to the Zakarpattia Oblast of Ukraine was made by the region’s representatives (1 representative of the opposition, 1 representative of the coalition).
On 26 to 30 August 2007, a delegation from the Vysočina Region visited the Zakarpattia Oblast of Ukraine (the delegation included representatives of all political clubs within the Regional Assembly and the leadership of the Regional Authority).
Also, the draft cooperation agreement was prepared, which was consulted with all political clubs within the Assembly.
At its meeting no. 7/2007 on 18 December 2007, the Assembly of the Vysočina Region approved the Cooperation Agreement between the Vysočina Region and the Zakarpattia Oblast of Ukraine and – within its budget for 2008 – approved an amount of CZK 5 million for implementing specific cooperation projects. In the subsequent years of 2009, 2010, 2011, 2013 and 2014, the Assembly of the Vysočina Region also approved CZK 5 million for each calendar year.
On 27 to 29 February 2008, representatives of the Zakarpattia Oblast of Ukraine visited the Vysočina Region. During this visit, a cooperation agreement between the two regions was signed at an official ceremony.
Over the subsequent 5 years, cooperation between the Vysočina Region and the Zakarpattia Oblast of Ukraine proved to be active and successful, and a large number of useful projects were implemented. Therefore, the Assembly of the Vysočina Region – at its meeting on 13 December 2011 – approved draft Amendment 2 to the Cooperation Agreement, through which the original Article III was replaced with a new one. The article extended the term of the agreement indefinitely. The remaining provisions of the Cooperation Agreement remained unchanged.
The signing of the Amendment to the Agreement, which extended the cooperation between the two regions indefinitely, took place on 16 March 2012 in Mukacheve in the Zakarpattia Oblast of Ukraine.

Cooperation Agreement

The purpose of the signed agreement is to develop mutual contacts and cooperation between the Zakarpattia Oblast of Ukraine and the Vysočina Region in the form of one-off and long-term projects and activities, especially in the following areas:

Economic development and growth
Education and vocational training
Scientific and technical cooperation
Protection and management of the environment and cultural and natural heritage
Tourism, rural and urban development
The use of Structural Funds and other financial and other resources to promote development
Cultural, social and sports life
Cooperation between authorities and institutions
Agriculture
Caring for human resources

Standing conference

The Standing Conference is a body that was established for the purpose of cooperation. It comprises the President of the Vysočina Region, representatives of all political clubs within the Regional Assembly, the Director of the Regional Authority of the Vysočina Region, and third-party worker Mr Josef Nedvěd.

The Standing Conference provides the main directions and impulses for cooperation between the two regions. It meets under the auspices of the Chairperson of the Zakarpattia Oblast of Ukraine and the President of the Vysočina Region, who also appoint its members.

The activities of the Standing Conference and cooperation with Ukraine are coordinated by Kateřina Svobodová, Head of the Presidential Office, tel +420 564 602 152, mobile +420 724 650 156, e-mail svobodova.k@kr-vysocina.cz.

ViZa Charitable Fund

Title: The ViZa Charitable Fund (ViZa is an abbreviation of the names of both regions: Vysočina-Zakarpattia)

Registered offices: Sq. Národa 4, 88008, Ukraine

Identification code: 35952787

The Fund is a Ukrainian legal entity established and operating under the laws of Ukraine.

The main objective of the Fund’s activities is to take care of the practical aspects of regional cooperation between the Zakarpattia Oblast of Ukraine and the Vysočina Region of the Czech Republic.

This mainly includes making financial transfers and providing legal, organisational and administrative support in providing not-for-profit charitable assistance through one-time (systematic) financial, material and other support, on the basis of contracts for charitable activities; providing assistance directly through personal work and services; assuming the costs related to the gratuitous full or partial administration of charitable objects, on its own account; and in other measures that are not in violation of the laws of Ukraine.

PROJECTS – EDUCATION AND THE YOUTH

Lazeshchyna, Rakhiv District – primary school – the replacement of windows and doors in the entire school building, the dismantling of the existing heating system (except for the boiler room), the installation of new radiators, a distribution system in the building and electric boilers, the replacement and strengthening of the electrical connection to the school building, the construction of additional social facilities, roof replacement and a new external render. In the autumn of 2017, the President presented gifts to first-year pupils.

Strymba, Rakhiv District – primary school – the replacement of windows and doors in the entire school building, the dismantling of the existing heating system (except for the boiler room), the installation of new radiators, the installation of a distribution system in the building, the installation of new electric boilers, the placement of a new transformer station, the installation of a new electrical connection, the construction of new facilities for the school (washrooms, toilets, sewer system, waste water treatment plant).
A visit by the students and teachers from the Lazeshchyna primary school to the Vysočina Region
Lazeshchyna, Rakhiv District – primary school – the donation of a discarded, but still fully operational laptop computer to a folklore ensemble at the primary school.
Participation of children from Bohdan (Zakarpattia, Rakhiv District) in a camp in Vysočina (Chotěboř) – the camp took place from 1 to 10 July 2010.
The donation of 2 PC’s – the donation of two PC’s by the Vysočina Region to the Centre for children’s leisure activities in Bohdan.
Shyroke, Vynohradiv District – primary school – the replacement of windows in the building, roof repairs.
Bohdan, Rakhiv District – the establishment of a social protection centre for children from socially disadvantaged families, a place for children’s leisure activities in Bohdan.
Lazeshchyna, Rakhiv District – the overall renovation of the building (windows, doors, heating, floors). The building will then serve as a “School in Nature” centre, operating year-round.
Stuzhytsya, Velykyy Bereznyi District – the overall renovation of the building for the purpose of establishing a nursery school.
Common sporting event – footballers-pupils in Uzhhorod in September 2011.
Stuzhytsya, Velykyy Bereznyi District – primary school – a partial renovation.
Chynadiyovo, Mukacheve District – school facility – kitchen renovation, replacement of windows.
Babychi, Mukacheve District – school facility – electric heating of the building.
Velka Kopanya, Vynohradiv District – school facility – structural modifications to both the interior and exterior, a three-year project.
Volovets, Volovets District – school facility – roof renovation.
Nevytske, Uzhhorod District – school facility – electric heating, overall roof repair.
Velyikyy Bychkiv, Rakhiv District – school facility – structural modifications to the interior.
Dubove, Tiachiv District – school facility – structural modifications to the interior.
The publication of an official Ukrainian-Czech textbook – support for the teaching of the Czech language at Uzhhorod University.
Uzhhorod University – the purchase of a high-capacity copier, the purchase of three data projectors to be used in teaching students.
Khyzha, Vynohradiv District – primary school – the purchase of equipment to promote the modernisation of teaching.
Svaliava, Svaliava District – the replacement of windows in the primary school of T. G. Masaryk, a two-year project. Also, the replacement of the heating system throughout the building.
Skotarske, Volovets District – school facility, an overall renovation, roof repairs and structural integrity of the building, a two-year project.
Rodnykova Huta, Svaliava District – primary school + nursery school – an overall renovation, a two-year project.
Uzhhorod University, Uzhhorod, Uzhhorod District – the replacement of windows in a part of the university (in multiple stages).
3 projects with the Faculty of International Relations, Uzhhorod University – 1) Furnishing and opening the office of Czech-Ukrainian partnership, 2) Lectures on public administration for representatives of regions/districts/municipalities in Zakarpattia, 3) The purchase of three data projectors for the faculty.
Zhornava, Velykyy Bereznyi District – school facility, roof replacement.
lInytsya, Irshava District – school facility, the replacement of windows and doors.
Mukacheve, Mukacheve District – school facility, the replacement of windows and doors.
Vynohradiv, Vynohradiv District – school, the replacement of windows in the entire school building.
Novoselytsya, Vynohradiv District – school facility, the replacement of windows in the entire school building.
Novoselytsya (Vynohradiv District), school facility – the completion of window and door replacement + the replacement of the heating system and the boiler, the completion of a 2013 project.
Primary school №3 in Uzhhorod (now Masaryk school)
- The renovation of the classroom in which the Czech language is officially taught as part of the curriculum, including the purchase of furniture and other equipment (an interactive whiteboard, Czech language textbooks etc.), including the renovation of sanitary facilities
- The repair of the roof and external render, the renaming of the school to “Masaryk School”, the continuation of a 2013 project
- Regular purchases of textbooks for teaching the Czech language
- Here, the first day of school in 2014–2016 was opened by Marie Kružíková, Member of the Vysočina Regional Council
- Continuation of the project, roof replacement, the replacement of windows in the entire extensive school campus, renovation of the external render, new troughs, eaves, restoration of the original inscription on the facade from the first Czechoslovak Republic
Nursery school № 18 in Mukacheve – the replacement of windows and doors.
Nursery school in Zaluzhzhia, Mukacheve District – the replacement of windows and doors.
Nursery school in Stanovo, Mukacheve District – the replacement of roof, windows and doors.
Primary school in Danylovo, Khust District – the replacement of windows and doors.
Nursery school in Dorobratovo, Irshava District – the replacement of windows and doors.
Nursery school №3 in Velykyi Rakovets, Irshava District - a comprehensive renovation.
Nursery school №1 in Ilnytsya, Irshava District – repairs to the external render, the continuation of a 2013 project.
Primary school №8 in Vynohradiv – the completion of window replacement in the rest of the building (the school campus is large), the continuation of a 2013 project.
Nursery school in Zhornava, Velykyy Bereznyi District – the completion of a 2013 project.
Vil´khivtsi-Lazy, Tiachiv District – the renovation of a multi-purpose building (library, museum, office, post office, family medicine outpatient department), with an emphasis on larger premises for the outpatient department and its facilities.
Specialised primary school (level I–III) in Velyki Komyaty, Vynohradiv District – the replacement of windows.
Nursery school in Zhornava, Velykyy Bereznyi District – an overall renovation of the nursery school building was carried out, including landscaping in the surroundings of the nursery school. At the project opening ceremony in October 2015, the nursery school received toys for children as a gift from the Vysočina Region.
Kindergarten no. 16 in Mukacheve – all windows and exterior doors in the entire building were replaced. At the project opening ceremony in October 2015, the nursery school received toys for children as a gift from the Vysočina Region.
Nursery school in Verkhneye Vodyanoye, Rakhiv District – a general repair of the entire nursery school is planned within the project. This is a two-year project.
Primary school in Novoselytsia, Vynohradiv District – window replacement was completed in the entire building.
Primary school in Khyzha, Vynohradiv District – window replacement was completed in the entire building, including the front door.
Primary school in Sasovo, Vynohradiv District – window replacement was completed in the entire building.
Nursery school in Brid, Irshava District – an overall renovation of the nursery school building was carried out.
Nursery school in Vil´khivka, Irshava District – roof replacement and overall window replacement was carried out in the building.
Primary school in Osii, Irshava District – window replacement was completed in the entire building, including the front door.
Potičok training and education compound, Khust District – an overall renovation of the building was carried out.
Primary school (level І) in Handerovytsia, Mukacheve District – roof replacement was carried out. This is a very beautiful and well-preserved building dating back almost to the first Czechoslovak Republic.
Primary school (level І-II) in Kalnyk, Mukacheve District – an overall renovation of the primary school building was carried out.
Primary school in Kopynivtsi, Mukacheve District – an overall renovation of the primary school building was carried out.
Primary school in Strabychovo, Mukacheve District – an overall renovation of the primary school building was carried out.
Nursery school in village Nyzhni Vorota, Volovets District – the project objective is a partial renovation of the building – heating and window replacement was carried out in the entire building.
Primary school in Soimy, Mizhhirya District – this is a two-year project (2015 + 2016), the project objective is an overall repair of the building.
Primary school no. 2 in Yasinia, Rakhiv District – the replacement of all windows will be completed in the entire building.
Nursery school in Ploske, Svaliava District – the replacement of all windows and doors was carried out in the entire building.
Primary school in Berezovo, Khust District – the addition of a canteen within a large compound of buildings.
Nursery school in Zaluzhzhia, Mukacheve District – This is a two-year project. The objective is an overall repair of the nursery school, including landscaping around the building.
Uzhhorod University – support for the teaching of the Czech language at the Department of Bohemistics – books and equipment were purchased to support the teaching of the Czech language, the classroom and office for the teaching of the Czech language were renovated and structurally modified, the President of the Vysočina Region was personally involved in assisting and supporting the recruitment of a Czech language teacher at Uzhhorod University, the new Czech language teacher Mrs Petra Zlámaná started work at Uzhhorod University in the autumn of 2017, i.e. in the academic year 2017/2018; this is the only Czech language lectureship in Ukraine; there is on-going cooperation between Uzhhorod National University and the College of Polytechnics Jihlava – student exchanges + the organisation of a Czech-Ukrainian workshop.
Primary school in Onok, Vynohradiv District – the replacement of windows and front doors (a two-year project).
Primary school in Boronyava, Khust District – the replacement of windows and front doors.
Primary school in Lysycheve, Irshava District – the replacement of windows and thermal insulation of exterior walls.
“School I-III N6” education compound, Mukacheve – an overall renovation of the building + the construction of a classroom and facilities for teaching the Czech language within the school building.
Primary school in Stavne, Velykyi Bereznyi District – the replacement of windows and front doors (a two-year project).
Primary school in Kryva, Khust District – the replacement of windows and front doors (a two-year project).
Nursery school in Verkhneye Vodyanoye, Rakhiv District – a general repair of the entire building, including roof and heating; project implementation started in 2015, continued in 2016 and – given the extent of the building – the scheduled project work was completed in 2017.
Khust, Khust District – primary school – this is a unique building, which was built during the first Czechoslovak Republic and which is part of the exceptional historical area of the “Czech Quarter” in Khust; a general repair of the building.
Velyki Komyaty, Vynohradiv District – primary school – window replacement in the school building.
Mizhhirya, Mizhhirya District – school facility – window replacement in the building.
Regular annual participation of educators and children from the Vysočina Region in a camp in the Zakarpattia Oblast of Ukraine – specifically in Bohdan, Rakhiv District.
A visit to a Czech camp for Ukrainian pupils who learn the Czech language – an annual project in which Ukrainian children accompanied by their Czech language teacher stay – together with Czech children – at a summer camp near Nová Říše.
A donation from the Institute of the Czech Language – The Institute of the Czech Language donated professional language publications to support the teaching of the Czech language at the Department of Bohemistics at Uzhhorod State University.
Support for the fourth edition of the book entitled “Czech for Ukrainians”.
Support for the teaching of the Czech language at primary schools – annual purchases of Czech language textbooks for schools in Zakarpattia at which the Czech language is taught. Currently, the Czech language is taught at 5 primary schools in the Zakarpattia Oblast of Ukraine, i.e. within the official school curriculum approved by the Ministry of Education of Ukraine. Altogether, there are approximately 300 students of the Czech language. At another 6 schools, the Czech language is taught in the form of a school club for children (about 200 children). Additional primary schools that are interested are preparing for the next school year. It is important that this is about interest on the part of parents and children, not a mandatory school regulation.

Projects – social area

Tiachiv, Tiachiv District – facilities for disabled children – the production and installation of windows and doors (a contribution to the overall renovation and completion of the building).
Concerts and performances by children from the Children’s home for the disabled in Vilshany organised in the Vysočina Region – as part of the week of social services and an important event entitled Heart in Your Palm.
Regular annual internships for social workers from the Zakarpattia Oblast of Ukraine at facilities established by the Vysočina Region.
Bohdan, Rakhiv District – the completion of the renovation of social facilities for children from socially disadvantaged families and orphans.
Strymba, Rakhiv District – social facilities (clubroom) for orphans and children from socially disadvantaged families (support for leisure time and for work with children) – a social project with a focus similar to that in Bohdan – see above.
The participation of disabled children from Zakarpattia in the Olympics for the disabled in the Czech Republic.
Summer camp in the Vysočina Region for orphans and children from socially disadvantaged families from Bohdan.
Humanitarian donation – 2 discarded PC’s to the Assistance Centre for orphans and the socially disadvantaged in Bohdan (Rakhiv District).
The purchase and donation of an overhauled electric wheelchair.
Humanitarian donation – 94 discarded (but fully operational) adjustable beds for social care.
Humanitarian donation – toys, clothing, bedding and other necessities for the socially disadvantaged and the disabled in poor mountain areas.

The film entitled “Mykola – Once Upon a Time in Kolochava”

Mykola – Once Upon a Time in Kolochava was inspired by Ivan Olbracht’s book entitled Nikola the Outlaw. This is an international project – the actors are persons with mental disabilities from partner homes in the Czech Republic, Ukraine, Slovakia and Poland. Filming took place mainly in Kolochava in the Zakarpattia Oblast of Ukraine.

Characters in the film speak four languages (Czech, Polish, Slovak and Ukrainian). This corresponds to the blend of nationalities during the First Czechoslovak Republic, when the Zakarpattia part of Ukraine (Kolochava) was part of the then Czechoslovakia.

This film was created in order to enable people with mental disabilities to experience the unusual experiences during filmmaking, in an effort to show the society that – with adequate support – people with mental disabilities can achieve a lot. Their disability gives them a special charisma as actors. The ‘patron’ of the film and narrator is the popular Czech actor and entertainer Miroslav Donutil. He previously played the lead role in the famous film entitled A Ballad for a Bandit.

The project has already had a number of successful opening screenings. In June 2011, it was screened at the Mental Power festival in Prague. Here, it received five nominations and won two main awards – the award for a supporting male role and the Czech Television award.

PROJECTS – HEALTH AND HEALTH CARE

Outpatient departments in the Mizhhirya District – the renovation of 7 outpatient departments – the replacement of doors and windows and related structural modifications.
Nove Davydkovo, Mukacheve District – outpatient department of general family medicine, the renovation of the water distribution system in the building, drain system, flooring and related construction work.
Rakhiv Hospital, Rakhiv District – donation to the Rakhiv Hospital – discarded (but fully functional) beds and tables from the Pelhřimov Hospital in the Vysočina Region.
A subsidy of CZK 200 000 granted by the Vysočina Region to the partner region – assistance in coping with the epidemic that hit Ukraine – the purchase of drugs and medical supplies (disposable masks).
Kolochava, Mizhhirya District – replacement of windows and doors, construction work at the local hospital.
Lypovets, Khust District – outpatient department of general family medicine – an overall renovation of the building and completion of work to ensure the serviceability of the building (floors, windows, doors, roof repairs). This is a two-year project.
Strymba, Rakhiv district – outpatient department of general family medicine – a complete renovation, including water supply, sewerage etc.
Kamyanytsya, Uzhhorod District – outpatient department of general family medicine – a complete renovation, including water supply, sewerage etc., this is a two-year project.
Work placements of students of medicine from the Zakarpattia Oblast of Ukraine at facilities established by the Vysočina Region.
The delivery of a gynaecological and dental chair – the delivery of a gynaecological and dental chair for an outpatient department in Strymba, Rakhiv District.
Shyrokyy Luh, Tiachiv District – outpatient department, a general repair.
Zdenievo, Volovets District – outpatient department, a general repair.
Stuzhytsya, Velykyi Bereznyi District – outpatient department, a general repair.
The donation of a wheelchair to the hospital in Mizhhirya.
The donation of discarded (but fully functional) beds to the Hospital in Rakhiv.
Shyrokyy Luh, Tiachiv District – outpatient department – a general repair of the entire building; given the extent of the building, the project was scheduled as a two-year project – work started in 2016 and was completed in 2017.
Bilasovytsya, Volovets district – outpatient department – the replacement of the roof and windows of the building.

PROJECTS – TOURISM

Tureurocentr Zakarpattya – the presentation of the Vysočina Region at the tourism fair in Uzhhorod. The presentation of the region is carried out by Czech expatriate associations.
Carpathian Biosphere Reserve – a tourist eco-info centre at the centre of Europe.
Carpathian Biosphere Reserve – the Peremyčka pod Hoverlou tourist resting area – repairs to wooden structures of the facilities, including painting, the repair and completion of hiking trail markings.
Preparation of a tourist map – the cartographic preparation of marked hiking trails in the Uzhanskyi National Nature Park – scale 1:50 000, format 980x680 mm, the map is the culmination of a marking project in the Uzhanskyi National Nature Park, it was published in three languages – Czech, Ukrainian and Polish, 2 000 printed copies.
RegionTour Brno, Czech Republic – the presentation of the Zakarpattia Oblast of Ukraine at the largest tourism fair in the Czech Republic.
A Natural-Science Conference on the 80th anniversary of the foundation of the Uzhanskyi National Nature Park by Prof. Alois Zlatník
- An international scientific conference entitled “The role of mountain national parks in preserving the natural, historical, ethnic and cultural heritage”.
- The conference was dedicated to the anniversary of the foundation of the national park by the Czech professor Alois Zlatník.
The issue of postcards themed ‘The footprints of Czechoslovakia’ in architecture during the First Czechoslovak Republic.
Fam trip – from 19 to 22 September 2017, the fam trip to Zakarpattia project took place – for our travel agencies, 6 travel agencies participated.

An exhibition on the Vysočina Region in Mukacheve

A permanent exhibition on the Vysočina Region was set up at the Palanok Castle, the most visited monument of the Zakarpattia Oblast of Ukraine (80–100 thousand visitors per year). It presents the beauty and other values of the Vysočina Region, its strengths and reasons why it is a good idea to visit the Vysočina Region. It also informs about the partnership of the two regions.

The exhibition is divided into several parts: basic information about the Vysočina Region, information about cooperation and joint projects with the Zakarpattia Oblast of Ukraine, information about the ViZa Charitable Fund, information about cultural heritage in the Vysočina Region (UNESCO sights are highlighted), the presentation of the Vysočina Region in industry, agriculture and tourism.

The exhibition is in 3 language versions – Ukrainian, Czech and English.

PROJECTS – CULTURE

The visit of a folklore ensemble from Kolochava to the Vysočina Region – participation in the Sedmikvítek folklore festival in Přibyslav.
The organisation of an exhibition on Gustav Mahler in Lviv
Siltse, Irshava District – repair of the roof of a multi-purpose cultural facility.
Volosyanka, Velykyy Bereznyi District – roof repair on a multipurpose cultural facility.
Rodnykova Huta, Svaliava District – multi-purpose building – roof replacement on the building, window replacement, external render.
Days of Ukrainian culture – significant promotion of Ukrainian culture and folk traditions in the Vysočina Region – on this occasion, two major folklore performances were put on at the Pelhřimov Theatre and the Horácké Theatre in Jihlava, an exhibition took place at the offices of the Vysočina Region, a tasting of traditional Ukrainian food and a travel lecture. A similar event is being prepared for 2014.
An art competition for children from Zakarpattia
Themed “My Native Region”.
- Among schools and children in Zakarpattia, there was great interest in participating in the competition.
- The pictures are displayed at PAUDIN (a leisure centre) in Uzhhorod.
- In 2016 the pictures will be displayed at the offices of the Vysočina Region (building B).
A day with the Vysočina Region
- On 12 September 2015, at an important event held on the 15th anniversary of the regions’ establishment, artists from Zakarpattia performed under the leadership of national artist Natalia Petiy-Potapchuk. In the premises of the event, a stand with regional and promotional products from Zakarpattia was present for the entire duration. As part of this important event, the Vysočina Region was also visited by a political delegation from the Zakarpattia Oblast of Ukraine.
The 7th edition of the Youth Brass Band Festival in Kaliště u Humpolce – the organisers (Mahler Civic Association) also invited guests from our partner region the Zakarpattia Oblast of Ukraine – specifically a youth brass ensemble from Chynadiyovo.

The economic sector

Participation of representatives of the Vysočina Region in the Bereg-Karpaty international business forum in the Zakarpattia Oblast of Ukraine. It was mainly dedicated to presenting investment opportunities, development plan financing, Ukraine’s investment climate and the possibilities for cross-border cooperation, the project was supported by the ENPI Cross-Border Operational Programme with a contribution by the European Union.
Establishment of cooperation with the Transcarpathian Agency for Investment, Innovation and Development, which is a similar organisation to regional development agencies in the Czech Republic.
The organisation of four business missions (Uzhhorod 2009, Lviv 2010, Uzhhorod 2014, Mukacheve 2016).
Active cooperation with the Transcarpathian Agency for Investment, Innovation and Development, which is a similar organisation to regional development agencies in the Czech Republic.
The successful penetration of some Czech entrepreneurs into the Ukrainian market.
On 29 September 2017 an official agreement was signed between the Regional Economic Chamber and the Economic Chamber of the Zakarpattia Oblast of Ukraine. The Regional Economic Chamber of the Vysočina Region offered students of selected degree programmes at Uzhhorod University the payment of professional work placements in companies in the Vysočina Region.

Cooperation between organisations

Uzhhorod University and the College of Polytechnics Jihlava.
Cooperation between semi-budgetary organisations in the social area.
Collaboration between children’s homes.
Exchange of experience between the representatives of the fire departments of both regions, including the purchase of in-kind donations for colleagues in Zakarpattia – firefighting suits and equipment, floating water pumps etc.
Exchange of experience between the representatives of the police forces of both regions, including the participation of representatives of the Vysočina Region at the International Cynology Championship held on 26–29 September in Uzhhorod – cynologists from the Vysočina Region finished in first place.
Cooperation of students and teachers from the Academy of Glass Artists and the Academy of Arts and Design Světlá nad Sázavou. Cooperation between the Academy of Arts and Uzhhorod University – Art Glass Degree Programme is being prepared.
Cooperation of students and teachers from the Institute of Slavic Studies in Rivna and Grammar School in Ledeč nad Sázavou.

Cooperation between cities

Established and well-functioning partnerships: the regional capitals Jihlava and Uzhhorod – a cooperation agreement was signed in the autumn of 2010.
Established and well-functioning partnerships between other major cities in both regions – Mukacheve + Pelhřimov (the agreement was signed in March 2012).
During a visit to the Vysočina Region in October 2017, a partnership agreement was signed between Třebíč and Rakhiv and between Žďár nad Sázavou and Khust.
As part of the established cooperation, Třebíč approved a financial donation for Rakhiv, which will be intended for purchasing equipment for a nursery school in Rakhiv. It will also financially support the transport of discarder adjustable beds from the Vysočina Region’s semi-budgetary organisations to the Hospital in Rakhiv.
Negotiations were started on the possible establishment of partnership between Chotěboř and Tiachiv, and between Nové Město na Moravě and Mizhhirya.
In addition, partnerships between municipalities are also actively established at the level of the Pardubice Region and Zakarpattia.

Other projects and forms of cooperation

Summer Journalism School – the regular annual participation of Ukrainian students in vocational and practical workshops focusing on journalism that are held annually in the Vysočina Region.
War graves – support for the restoration of war graves and memorials to the fallen (together with the Ministry of Defence of the Czech Republic and the Czechoslovak Community of Legionnaires).
A smile for Ukrainian children – a benefit concert organised by children from the Children’s Home in Jemnice to support children from the Children’s Home in Mukacheve.
Cooperation with embassies – cooperation and communication with the Embassy of Ukraine in Prague, the Consulate of Ukraine in Brno, the Embassy of the Czech Republic in Kiev and the Consulate General of the Czech Republic in Lviv.
Cooperation with other self-governing regions – in cooperation with the Vysočina Region, investment projects were also implemented in Zakarpattia by the Pardubice Region, the Zlín Region and the Moravian-Silesian Region.
A visit by the Minister of Foreign Affairs to Uzhhorod
- On 29 and 30 October 2014, the Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Czech Republic Mr. Lubomír Zaorálek visited our partner region. During his visit, the Minister opened a new Honorary Consulate of the Czech Republic in Uzhhorod, Ukraine. The new Honorary Consul of the Czech Republic in Uzhhorod is Mr. Otto Kovčar.
- He also attended a reception on the occasion of the Czech National Day and met with expatriates from Zakarpattia.
- The Minister took into account proposals made by the Vysočina Region and included a visit to the Masaryk School in Uzhhorod in his itinerary – there, children demonstrated to him their knowledge of the Czech language, and the Minister also visited the renovated T. G. Masaryk park where he laid wreaths at the President’s bust.
Humanitarian donation – in cooperation with the Statutory City of Jihlava, a humanitarian donation was provided to the Zakarpattia Oblast of Ukraine – discarded but fully functional school desks, chairs, equipment for schools and nursery schools. Currently, there is a major effort to provide the same humanitarian donation from Pelhřimov to the partner town of Mukacheve.
Autumn Book Fair
- Annual attendance of students and teachers from the Department of Bohemistics, Uzhhorod University at a major event entitled “Autumn Book Fair” in Havlíčkův Brod in the Vysočina Region.
- Within the Autumn Book Fair, a collection of publications was organised to support the teaching of the Czech language at the Department of Bohemistics at Uzhhorod State University. Selected books were handed over to students and teachers of Bohemistics directly at the Autumn Book Fair.
Uzhok Pass – the re-installation of the Czech inscription on the mound at Uzhok Pass. This activity was carried out together with the Ministry of Defence of the Czech Republic and the Czechoslovak Community of Legionnaires.
Installation of an information plaque – the installation of an information plaque at the bust of T. G. Masaryk.
Humanitarian donation – assistance in organising a humanitarian donation by Pelhřimov to the partner town of Mukacheve (school desks, chairs, furniture, toys etc.). All necessary transport documents were arranged, including an authorisation by the Ministry, the actual transport took place at the end of 2015.
The book “The History of Bohemia” – the book entitled “The History of Bohemia” was published in Ukrainian for students of the Department of Bohemistics at Uzhhorod University – 200 copies.
Voluntary Rescue System
- Participation in the “Voluntary Rescue System” project that was supported under the START Danube Region Project Fund programme. The aim of this joint project is to exchange experience and transfer good practice in order to improve the operational capacities and the work of rescue units in the Zakarpattia region so that they are able to respond effectively to emergency situations resulting from both natural and man-made disasters.
Biathlon – regular attendance of a delegation from Zakarpattia at the Biathlon World Cup event in Nové Město na Moravě.
A financial donation to deal with a calamity situation
- On 21–26 June 2016, Zakarpattia experienced severe storms with abnormal hail, a strong European windstorm and floods. As a result, more than 7 thousand residential buildings and 39 state-owned buildings (health protection, culture, educational organisations, water management) were damaged and power supply to municipalities was disrupted. In some areas, local roads are damaged due to increased water levels in small streams and small rivers. The adverse consequences of the natural disaster affected 54 municipalities in the Rakhiv, Vynohradiv, Irshava, Mukacheve, Svaliava, Tiachiv, Khust and Uzhhorod Districts and the city of Mukacheve.
- Since the Council of the Zakarpattia Oblast does not have sufficient resources to remedy the consequences of the disaster, it asked the partner Vysočina Region to discuss the issue of assistance for affected municipalities and populations in Zakarpattia. Based on that request, the Regional Council – at its meeting on 12 July 2016 – decided to provide a financial donation of CZK 100 000. Subsequently, on 13 September 2016 the Regional Assembly decided to provide a financial donation of CZK 900 000 to the ViZa Charitable Fund to remedy the consequences of the above disaster.
The President’s attendance at an Intergovernmental Commission in Kiev – at the request of the Government of the Czech Republic, the President of the Vysočina Region participated in the working visit by the Minister of Industry and Trade Mr. Havlíček to Kiev and in a meeting of the Czech-Ukrainian Intergovernmental Commission. Czech-Ukrainian relations were established and improved, an important intergovernmental document was signed which also includes the promotion of interregional cooperation.
A trip by Members of the Regional Assembly to Zakarpattia – within 10 years of cooperation, several working trips were made by Members of the Vysočina Regional Assembly and representatives of partner cities and organisations to the Zakarpattia Oblast of Ukraine. All participants were able to get to know the partner region and certain specific projects that have been implemented.

Cooperation with Czech expatriate organisations

Support for Czech expatriate organisations – financial support for the publication activity of Czech expatriate associations in Uzhhorod (the TGM Club and the Society of John Amos Comenius), regular deliveries of Czech books and newspapers, as well as Czech language textbooks.
Support for Ukrainian expatriate organisations and community in the Vysočina Region – intensive communication, cooperation in organising events (e.g. Days of Ukrainian Culture, a visit by the Ukrainian Ambassador and others), providing organisational assistance and consulting.

Media coverage of cooperation

The presentation of cooperation and individual projects on the websites of both partner regions.
The presentation of cooperation and individual projects on regional television and in print media in the Vysočina Region and in the Zakarpattia Oblast of Ukraine.
Efforts to achieve maximum presentation of cooperation and individual projects in other regions to representatives of the Chamber of Deputies and the Senate of the Parliament of the Czech Republic, representatives of diplomatic missions, at tourism trade fairs etc.

Cooperation in the future

Continued implementation of investment projects – renovations of schools, school facilities, social and health care facilities etc.
The continuation of ‘soft’ projects – exchange of experience, youth exchanges, exchanges of folk ensembles, joint exhibitions, sports matches etc.
Support for the business sector and economic cooperation of both regions.
Support for cooperation between partner cities and partner organisations from both regions.
The use of financial resources from other sources – European Union funds, Visegrad funds, Norway Grants etc.
Involvement of additional entities in cooperation.

Benefits of cooperation

The implementation of investment projects and renovations of buildings (for details see the different sections) has helped to significantly improve conditions in schools, social and health care facilities in the Zakarpattia Oblast of Ukraine.
The implementation of ‘soft’ projects (youth exchanges, exchanges of folk ensembles etc.) resulted in establishing friendships and contacts, gaining new experience, and developing a better mutual understanding of both regions and their inhabitants.
Remembering basic human values and qualities, family ties and togetherness, which are being suppressed by the requirements, trends and the commercial nature of the modern era.

Dobročinný fond ViZa, Náměstí Národa 4, 88008 Užhorod, Ukrajinská republika