Deadline: 31-Jul-2026
The Center for Leadership of Defenders of Ukraine at the National University “Kyiv-Mohyla Academy” has launched the VAction: Veteran Leadership in Reconstruction educational program to prepare veterans for leadership roles in rebuilding Ukrainian communities. The programme offers practical training in local governance, public participation, municipal development, and community revitalization through in-person learning modules held in Kyiv, Vinnytsia, and Ivano-Frankivsk during Fall 2026.
About the VAction: Veteran Leadership in Reconstruction Program
The VAction: Veteran Leadership in Reconstruction Program is an educational initiative designed to empower Ukrainian veterans with the knowledge, leadership skills, and practical tools needed to actively contribute to the reconstruction and sustainable development of their communities after military service.
Organized by the Center for Leadership of Defenders of Ukraine at the National University “Kyiv-Mohyla Academy”, the programme recognizes the important role veterans can play in strengthening local governance, supporting community recovery, and promoting civic engagement during Ukraine’s reconstruction.
Through practical learning and collaboration with experienced practitioners, participants will develop the skills necessary to become effective community leaders and partners in local development initiatives.
Programme Objectives
The programme aims to:
- Strengthen veteran leadership in community reconstruction.
- Promote people-centered community development.
- Improve understanding of local self-government.
- Enhance knowledge of decentralization reforms.
- Build practical leadership skills.
- Encourage civic participation.
- Strengthen partnerships between communities and local authorities.
- Support sustainable regional development.
- Promote community revitalization.
- Build networks among veteran leaders.
Key Learning Areas
Participants will study a range of topics related to community leadership and reconstruction, including:
- People-centered reconstruction.
- Local self-government.
- Decentralization in practice.
- Public participation.
- Community engagement.
- Municipal governance.
- Community revitalization.
- Intersectoral partnerships.
- Resource mobilization.
- Sustainable community development.
- Local leadership.
- Participatory governance.
The curriculum combines theoretical knowledge with practical examples drawn from successful Ukrainian municipalities.
Programme Structure
The educational programme consists of:
- Three in-person learning modules.
- Each module lasts two days.
- Sessions are delivered by experienced lecturers, practitioners, and local governance experts.
Participants will gain practical experience through interactive discussions, case studies, and examples from host communities.
Training Locations
The programme will take place during Fall 2026 in:
- Kyiv.
- Vinnytsia.
- Ivano-Frankivsk.
These cities will serve as learning environments where participants can study successful municipal development and community revitalization practices.
What Participants Will Learn
Participants will develop practical skills to:
- Assess community needs using a people-centered approach.
- Design community development initiatives.
- Apply public participation tools.
- Build partnerships with local governments.
- Collaborate with businesses.
- Work effectively with civil society organizations.
- Mobilize resources for community projects.
- Understand municipal governance systems.
- Engage with international donor programmes.
- Support sustainable reconstruction efforts.
The programme emphasizes practical leadership that participants can immediately apply within their own communities.
Programme Benefits
Participants will receive opportunities to:
- Learn from experienced practitioners.
- Explore successful community revitalization projects.
- Develop leadership skills.
- Build professional networks.
- Exchange experiences with fellow veterans.
- Strengthen civic engagement.
- Gain practical knowledge of municipal governance.
- Understand sustainable development approaches.
- Learn about international donor support mechanisms.
- Join a national community of veteran leaders.
The programme is designed to create long-term collaboration among veterans committed to rebuilding Ukraine.
Who is Eligible?
The programme is open to:
- Veterans who have completed their military service.
- Individuals interested in community reconstruction.
- Veterans committed to local leadership.
- Applicants seeking to contribute to regional development.
- Veterans interested in civic participation and public service.
Applicants should demonstrate a strong motivation to support the recovery and sustainable development of their communities.
Selection Priority
Priority consideration will be given to veterans from the following regions:
- Mykolaiv.
- Kharkiv.
- Kherson.
- Zaporizhia.
- Sumy.
- Odesa.
Applicants from these regions are encouraged to apply due to the significant reconstruction needs within their communities.
How to Apply
Interested veterans should follow these steps.
- Review the official programme information and eligibility requirements.
- Confirm that you have completed military service.
- Prepare any required application materials.
- Explain your interest in community leadership and reconstruction.
- Demonstrate your motivation to contribute to local development.
- Submit the completed application before the official deadline.
- Participate in any selection process if requested.
- Await notification of the final selection results.
Application Components
Applicants may be asked to provide:
- Personal information.
- Confirmation of veteran status.
- Motivation statement.
- Background information.
- Community involvement experience.
- Contact details.
- Any additional documents requested by the programme organizers.
Applicants should carefully follow the official application instructions.
Selection Criteria
Applications are expected to be assessed based on:
- Eligibility.
- Veteran status.
- Motivation to contribute to reconstruction.
- Interest in local governance.
- Commitment to community development.
- Leadership potential.
- Regional representation.
- Potential for long-term community impact.
Priority may also be given to applicants from regions most affected by the ongoing reconstruction process.
Why This Programme Matters
Ukraine’s long-term recovery depends on strong local leadership and active citizen participation.
The programme supports:
- Veteran reintegration.
- Community resilience.
- Democratic participation.
- Local governance.
- Sustainable reconstruction.
- Civic leadership.
- Municipal development.
- Social cohesion.
- Cross-sector collaboration.
- Community-driven recovery.
By equipping veterans with leadership and governance skills, the programme helps transform military experience into meaningful civic leadership that contributes to rebuilding communities across Ukraine.
Common Application Mistakes to Avoid
Applicants should avoid these common mistakes.
- Applying before completing military service.
- Providing an incomplete application.
- Submitting inaccurate information.
- Failing to explain their motivation.
- Ignoring application instructions.
- Missing submission deadlines.
- Not demonstrating interest in community development.
A strong application should clearly explain the applicant’s commitment to local leadership, reconstruction, and long-term community development.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What is the VAction: Veteran Leadership in Reconstruction Program?
It is an educational programme organized by the Center for Leadership of Defenders of Ukraine at the National University “Kyiv-Mohyla Academy” that prepares veterans to become leaders in rebuilding Ukrainian communities.
Who can apply?
Veterans who have completed their military service and wish to actively participate in community reconstruction and local development are eligible to apply.
Where will the programme take place?
Training will be conducted in Kyiv, Vinnytsia, and Ivano-Frankivsk during Fall 2026.
What topics are covered?
Participants will study people-centered reconstruction, decentralization, local governance, public participation, municipal management, community revitalization, partnership development, and sustainable community development.
How is the programme delivered?
The programme consists of three two-day in-person learning modules led by experienced lecturers and practitioners.
Who receives priority during selection?
Priority is given to veterans from the Mykolaiv, Kharkiv, Kherson, Zaporizhia, Sumy, and Odesa regions of Ukraine.
What are the benefits of participating?
Participants gain practical leadership skills, learn effective community development approaches, build partnerships, understand municipal governance, connect with fellow veterans, and strengthen their capacity to contribute to Ukraine’s reconstruction.
Conclusion
The VAction: Veteran Leadership in Reconstruction Program provides Ukrainian veterans with a valuable opportunity to transition from military service into community leadership roles. Through practical education in local governance, public participation, municipal management, and sustainable development, participants will gain the knowledge and skills needed to help rebuild their communities and contribute to Ukraine’s long-term recovery. By fostering collaboration, leadership, and civic engagement, the programme empowers veterans to become key contributors to resilient and inclusive local development.
For more information, visit Public Space.