canada-ukraine.org

[adria]

So we ran our eighth and final seminar, and with it ended the first seminar of Shkola Volonteriv. This final seminar served as a summary and conclusion of the previous seven seminars, and had Andriy Matselukh from the Lviv Association for Tourism Development speak to the students about some of the upcoming trends in tourism, namely in regards to developing greater accessibility and inclusion of tourist attractions, restaurants, hotels and various means of transportation.

Matselukh spoke at length about some of the projects his association were trying to get funding and support for, including creating a comprehensive map and guide displaying all the fully accessible locations in Lviv worth visiting. To date, there aren’t very many, but there hasn’t been much in terms of researching and documenting these sites. He excited students about these potential upcoming projects, which showed students that this was an area that was underdeveloped but was certainly an untapped niche market worth exploring.

After Matselukh spoke, we asked student for feedback. We informally questioned students, and then took an anonymous survey with a few guiding question: 1) What they liked/didn’t like and why? 2) What they found most beneficial/memorable and why? 3) What they didn’t like and why? 4) After completing participation, would they re-take the courses knowing what was involved, yes or no? 5) And any general additional comments. Out of the 24 surveyed, we had a very positive response. All said they would re-take the course (and yes, this was an anonymous survey!) with consistent suggestions to just offer more seminars with further practical experiences. I was very proud to note that the most memorable seminar was the one I lead where students took on the different ‘special needs’ roles and built structures in groups with lego blocks. Students had very kind words, and were generally very happy that they had this opportunity. Most surveys asked that we continue running similar seminars in future.

The project conclusion was bittersweet. I was happy with what had been accomplished, met some great people, and worked with some truly remarkable individuals. The participating students were super, and I truly feel many will continue in this field and will continue personal development as their mentality with the interests and abilities of people with special needs changed. Many didn’t believe that this group of prospective travellers existed, so it was an eye opener.

My involvement in the project concluded, but I remain optimistic that my partners at LIET and the network forged through the Shkola Volonteriv will keep things going. I thank everyone for all their hard work, patience and faith in realizing this project.

Na razi,
- Adria

PS. After my contract ended, I had the opportunity to check out some spectacular sites in Western Ukraiina and even celebrate Velykden (Easter) in Lviv. Wow! What an experience!

[Adrian Pruchnicky]

I have to say that although I have been to Ukraine now 6 times, one of those on my very own CIDA internship, this trip was definitely the best I've ever taken. Besides the fact that I got to spend time with my truly wonderful girlfreind, the sites we took in were breath taking. We toured at a furious pace that would make most people's heads spin (9 destinations in 7 days). I can't believe how much more civilized Ukraine has become in the 4 years since I was last there. The country is definitly changing for the better. Bus tickets (legitimate ones), tourist information offices, people offering more then just the answer to the specific question you ask, being treated a just a tourist as opposed to being gouged for being "z zakhodu" were just some of the many experiences that put a smile on my face.

Everytime I've left Ukraine I always think the same thing. What a wonderful country, I can't wait to come back and visit again. I'm glad that this time it's no different.

Adria,

Thanks for being such a great reason to visit. I'd started to forget what I was missing.