Innovative Heritage Trail Exploring Ukraine’s Struggle for Independence Launched in Kyiv Region with Support from the MHP-Hromadi Foundation and UCF

The MHP-Hromadi Charitable Foundation and the Ukrainian Cultural Foundation supported the creation of an innovative tourist route in the Bohuslav community under the Cultural Trails of Communities grant programme. The project’s total budget exceeded UAH 1.6 million.

The cultural and educational route “Medvyn. Uprising: An Interactive Historical Quest” was unveiled in the village of Medvyn. It brings together key sites of remembrance associated with the local community’s struggle for Ukraine’s independence. The project was initiated and implemented by the local NGO Bohuslav Volunteer Headquarters. Together.

Under the Cultural Trails of Communities programme, the initiative had a total budget of UAH 1,618,999. Of this amount, UAH 999,066 was provided by the Ukrainian Cultural Foundation, UAH 499,533 by the MHP-Hromadi Charitable Foundation, and a further UAH 120,400 was contributed by the applicant.

The route spans 26 kilometres. Information panels equipped with QR codes have been installed at key locations, enabling visitors to explore the history of each site simply by scanning the code. A dedicated freegen Go mobile application has also been developed, featuring an audio guide and GPS navigation, allowing users to explore Medvyn from anywhere in the world. Key locations are additionally available through 360-degree visualisations. This means visitors can experience the route independently, without a tour guide and at a time that suits them.

The route is designed for local residents, schoolchildren and young people, tourists, local historians and researchers. Its digital format is intended in particular to engage younger audiences by presenting history through familiar technologies and interactive tools.

“Strengthening Ukrainian identity is one of the Foundation’s key areas of focus. We support projects that preserve historical memory while speaking the language of the present. The story of Medvyn’s struggle for independence is part of Ukraine’s broader national history, and it is important that this story is known not only within the community, but far beyond it,” said Volodymyr Zabela, Director of the MHP-Hromadi Charitable Foundation.

The quest itself is dedicated to the Medvyn anti-Bolshevik uprising of 1919–1922. Across 12 locations, participants encounter historical figures associated with the uprising, including chronicler Ivan Dubynets, bandurist and ideologue Anton “Petiukh” Mytiai, and otamans Khoma “Lebid” Sydorenko, among others.

“The ‘Medvyn. Uprising’ route is an example of how cultural and educational trails can combine heritage and creativity, transforming local history into a high-quality tourism product. Initiatives like this attract visitors to communities and encourage the development of local small businesses,” said Anastasiia Obraztsova, Executive Director of the Ukrainian Cultural Foundation.

During the presentation, the organisers spoke about the development of the route, demonstrated how the mobile application works, and guided guests through several of the locations. The event was attended by representatives of the Foundation, the Ukrainian Cultural Foundation, the local community and local residents.

The MHP-Hromadi Charitable Foundation systematically supports the preservation of cultural heritage and the promotion of Ukrainian culture and identity. Its work includes restoring and developing museums, cultural and historical sites, supporting educational programmes focused on Ukrainian history and traditions, and introducing innovative approaches to promoting Ukrainian culture. Projects such as “Medvyn. Uprising” also help foster sustainable partnerships between businesses, charitable organisations, public institutions, historians and local communities.