The four-day International Leaders’ Training Course “Community Accelerator” (14–17 April 2026), implemented within the SUCCESS project at the University of Silesia in Katowice, has successfully concluded. The event brought together Ukrainian community leaders from Poland and Lithuania, creating a dynamic space for learning, exchange, and cross-border collaboration.
The programme combined theoretical knowledge with practical application. Participants strengthened their civic engagement competences, deepened their understanding of democratic processes in the European Union, and explored tools for effective community mobilisation. A key component of the training was the development of participants’ own initiatives – from identifying community needs to planning concrete local actions. The interactive format supported peer learning, networking, and partnership-building.
The training was organised by the University of Silesia in cooperation with Vytautas Magnus University in Kaunas. The programme was enriched by experienced trainers, Nerijus Miginis and Deimantė Pocienė, as well as Yevheniia Bessmertna from the Ukrainian Center in Vilnius, alongside invited experts and speakers contributing their knowledge and practical insights into civil society development.
The participants themselves – Ukrainian community leaders, volunteers, and activists based in Poland and Lithuania – were at the heart of the programme. Their energy, creativity, and commitment highlight the important role they play in strengthening local communities and fostering active civil society.
