This Saturday an Opening of VIII enrollment of the Open University of Reforms (OUR) took place. As a joint educational initiative of the Reanimation Package of Reforms and Centre for Democracy and Rule of Law (CEDEM), OUR aims to upgrade knowledge and skills on Ukraine’s key reforms of the young representatives of state and public organizations. 30 participants will attend lectures and join discussions during the next 3 month.  Also, they will carry out internships at the leading civic organizations, actively engaging into changes in Ukraine.

The Deputy Head of Mission, First Secretary of the Embassy of the Kingdom of Sweden in Ukraine, Ms. Louise Morsing greeted participants and emphasized the main objectives of Ukraine’s civil society development and also expressed believe in the potential of OUR’s students. Taras Shevchenko, Director of the Centre for Democracy and Rule of Law (CEDEM), told about the cornerstones of the Reanimation Package of Reforms and CEDEM formation history and the role of Sweden in their institualization.

Besides, students have started their studying with 3 lectures. Yegor Sobolev, Member of the Ukrainian Parliament (MP) has focused on history of democracy, particular on the Ukraine’s institutions’ history. Roman Vintoniv, Board Member of the National Public Service Broadcasting Company, was elaborating on how media can help build effective societies. Taras Shevchenko in his speech directed students not only towards the control and punishments of the unlawful governing practices, but also to consider themselves as responsible employers of the officials, who should build the infrastructure, that will attract new professionals.

Open University of Reforms is enabled by the financial support from Sweden.