Ukraine Support Update (on table)

BACKGROUND

Efforts to formalize a Sister City initiative between the City of Langford and a community in Ukraine stems from the work of Langford’s previous Mayor, Stewart Young, in conjunction with the dedication of several community members, to raise funds within Langford for important projects / resource needs identified by Ukrainian communities and to travel to the Ukraine to bring resources and support directly to Ukrainian communities.

The intent of a Sister City initiative is to create an enduring relationship between Langford and a community in the Ukraine, provide ongoing supports from Langford to that community, forge bonds between residents of the two communities, and, after the war is over, encourage travel and in person relationships between the two communities.

Further to this work, on June 5th, 2023, Council passed the following resolution: That Council direct staff to bring forward a report regarding formalizing a Sister City within the Ukraine. Unfortunately, staff have not yet completed a review of best practices for Sister City initiatives (and what makes them successful) and how the broader Langford community could support a Sister City initiative.

It should also be noted that four Sister City initiatives are being proposed, with three other municipalities within the region also actively contemplating their own Sister City initiatives with communities in the Ukraine.

Staff understand that the next trip from Langford to the Ukraine to bring resources and funds is occurring in mid-November. Given the timing of this trip, Mayor Goodmanson has asked that this interim staff report be brought forward to Council for consideration.

COMMENTARY

Over the past two weeks, a number of meetings have been held between Mayor Goodmanson and Bob Beckett (Langford’s retired Fire Chief and coordinator of various Langford led Ukrainian support initiatives). Following direction received at these meetings, Mr. Beckett reached out to his contacts in the Ukraine.

Through this, it has been determined that the community of Horokhiv in the Ukraine is excited about receiving supports from, and partnering with, Langford. The Mayor of Horokhiv has indicated that resources for schools are most needed, in particular, resources for teaching children about science, technology, engineering and arts. The Mayor of Horokhiv has indicated that approximately $7500 is needed to enable the purchase of various equipment that would support learnings in these areas.

The Mayor of Horokhiv writes (recognizing the translation is rough):

The conditions of Russia's armed aggression against Ukraine, after-school educational institutions continue to work actively for the development of creative abilities of children and youth, providing them with meaningful leisure time and psychological support. Extracurricular activities in most regions have become an island of peace where a child can distract himself from the terrible everyday war.

Researchers admit that extracurricular education reduces juvenile delinquency, because in their free time children are busy with a useful hobby. Also, hobbies, sports, scientific activities distract the child from constant spending time on gadgets and social networks.

Extracurricular education also leads to scientific activity. It has been proven by the practice of successful countries that it is STEAM education that contributes to the training of competent specialists for high-tech industries and ensures the high scientific potential of the state. STEАM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Mathematics) - learning becomes an integral part of the educational process and covers children and youth of different age categories.

In fact, less formalized educational process in an out-of-school education institution creates more favorable conditions for the introduction of STEAM-learning. The head of the group has wider options regarding the choice of educational programs, forms of education, places and times of classes. So, such modern equipment will have a positive effect on the educational process as a whole, as well as increase interest in learning and diversify the forms of work. The use of STEAM-education means will provide an opportunity to carry out project and research activities, to get scientific and technical knowledge.

FINANCIAL IMPLICATIONS

As noted above, the Mayor of Horokhiv has noted that the costs of providing the above resources would be approximately $7500 Canadian.

It is understood through conversations with Mr. Beckett that the City would contribute $5000 of this amount (funded from Council Contingency). The remainder would be covered by the fundraising efforts of Mr. Beckett and the Langford community.

LEGAL IMPLICATIONS

None.

OPTIONS

Option 1

THAT Council supports that contribution of $5000 to the Ukrainian community of Horokhiv.

OR Option 2

THAT Council directs that the City takes no action at this time with respect to a Ukrainian Sister City initiative.

SUBMITTED BY

Braden Hutchins, Director of Corporate Services

Concurrence:
Donna Petrie, Manager of Business Development and Events

Concurrence:
Michael Dillabaugh, CPA, CA, Director of Finance

Concurrence:
Marie Watmough, Acting Director of Corporate Services

Concurrence:
Darren Kiedyk, Chief Administrative Officer