Artem Shaipov, “Justice, Law, and Society” seminar alumni and a member of the Community Council, participated in the international “Aspen Young Leaders Program” in Romania

Artem Shaipov, a “Justice, Law and Society” seminar alumni and a member of the Institute’s Community Council, took part in the international program “Aspen Young Leaders Program” by the Aspen Institute Romania.

A one-year program consists of three main modules. In addition to the discussion of classical and modern texts, to which Artem managed to add “Zakhar Berkut” (Ivan Franko) so that other participants could learn more about the concept of a Ukrainian community, the program also involves the preparation of a project to develop a good society. After a conversation with representatives of Gaujani,  Artem and the team of other program participants initiated the creation of a park in Gaujani, one of the communities facing economic challenges. The park was more than desired by the community’s children.

As a result, representatives of the local community presented a petition to the local authorities, which was supported, and a budget for the park had already been created. Artem and a team of Romanian participants are currently preparing a fundraising campaign for Romanian stakeholders. In addition, Artem initiated and, in cooperation with Bohdan Kelichavyi, a “Values and Society” seminar alumni, has already managed to establish a partnership between the Gaujani in Romania and the Kupchynska community in the Ternopil region in Ukraine to share experiences, attract resources for the development of both, and cooperate to develop a good society in these countries.