![](https://ibser.org.ua/sites/default/files/styles/328x210m/public/1-7.jpg?itok=0K5F83O6&v=1539941447)
A training of trainers workshop Preparation of Participatory Budgeting Projects in the Bashtanka Amalgamated Territorial Community was held in Bashtanka, Mykolaiv oblast, on June 9. The event participants included representatives of the Participatory Budgeting Committee, staff of the Bashtanka City Council, members of the public, mass media, and interested residents of the city.
At the start of the workshop, a Certified Participatory Budgeting Trainer Ivan Shkurat familiarized the attendees with the history of emergence and spread of the idea of citizens’ budget. The trainer discussed the theoretical foundations for implementation of citizens’ budget, including the key concepts and definition of citizens budgets, general requirements to the content of citizens’ projects, key phases in implementation of a citizens’ budget, and registration of projects.
All those present had an opportunity to learn at the master class Structure of Project Application and Its Completion, where they practiced the drafting and preparation of citizens’ projects.
In addition, the participants completed the activities to develop their communication skills for interaction between the public and the local government in the course of submission and processing of projects, and also familiarized themselves with the methods and tools for engaging citizens in the voting for and identifying the best projects.
At the end of the event, the most active participants were awarded certificates of local trainers.
The event was organized by NOVA Energia NGO with support from the Bashtanka City Council.
The training was delivered as part of the Municipal Finance Strengthening Initiative (MFSI-II) Roll-out Project regarding the assistance in implementing participatory budgeting in Ukrainian cities under the component Strengthening the Practices of Citizens’ Engagement in the Budget Process at the Local Level in Ukraine. The project is financed by the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) and implemented by the Institute for Budgetary and Socio-Economic Research (IBSER). The Citizens’ Project electronic system was developed by the SocialBoost NGO.