The mini-MBA “Action in Hope” training program concluded in Odesa: 31 participants presented their projects

A total of 31 participants completed the training—representatives of business, entrepreneurs, volunteers, public figures, and opinion leaders. During the final defense, they presented initiatives aimed both at developing their own businesses and addressing specific community needs.

The topics of the presented projects demonstrated significant diversity. Among them were the social taxi “Poruch +” (By Your Side +), the development space “STROOM,” an educational center, a family space, the Center for Mental Health and Neurodivergence “Synchronichest,” IDP women’s support and mental health recovery programs, as well as the projects “Community Resilience” and “Stella Maris Space.”

A separate track consisted of entrepreneurial and socially oriented initiatives related to active longevity, veterinary services, automotive service, child development, support for veterans and seafarers, and the preservation of cultural heritage. In particular, participants worked on the concept of an active longevity community and the “silver economy” NEXT AGE, an active longevity eco-residence, a veteran business platform, the “Mariners’ Home” project, a veterinary clinic, and a full-cycle auto center.

As noted by Fr. Lyubomyr Yavorskyy, Director of the Patriarchal Foundation Mudra Sprava and program coordinator, the main outcome of the training was not only the developed projects, but also the formation of a community of people ready to take responsibility for change.

“Over the course of several weeks, we observed how ideas were born, passed through doubts, discussions, criticism, and the search for solutions, gradually transforming into real projects capable of changing communities,” shared Fr. Lyubomyr.

Отець Любомир Яворський

According to him, it is especially important that many of the presented initiatives grew out of the personal experiences of their authors. “The most valuable thing is the people. People who stopped waiting for change and decided to become its authors. Almost every project was born from a personal story, lived experience, or pain,” emphasized the foundation director.

At the same time, Fr. Lyubomyr Yavorskyy drew attention to the importance of local leadership for the country’s future: “During the final presentations, I was once again convinced: the future of Ukraine will be built not only by large state programs, but also by thousands of local leaders who transform their communities every day.”

One such project was “The Code of Bread and Authentic Recipes of Multicultural Bessarabia” by Olena Besedovska. According to the participant, the training helped turn her passion for cuisine, memory, and family stories into a structured project.

Олена Беседовська

“What was particularly valuable to me was that the knowledge was immediately applied to my own project—’The Code of Bread and Authentic Recipes of Multicultural Bessarabia.’ What began as my love for cuisine, memory, and family stories gradually acquired structure, strategy, and a business mindset,” shared Olena Besedovska.

The participant emphasized that she views the completion of the program not as an end, but as the beginning of a new phase: “And now—diploma in hand and a new stage ahead. Because the studies have ended, but the work on the dream is just beginning.”

Based on the results of the training, all 31 participants received certificates of completion and recommendations for the further development of their presented initiatives. At the same time, the end of the training modules does not mean an end to working with the participants. The next phase will involve mentoring and support for the projects provided by the UGCC Advisory Center.

“I believe that today we have completed only the training. Ahead lies the implementation of projects, new partnerships, and major changes. And that is the best result of our joint work,” concluded Fr. Lyubomyr Yavorskyy.