Since 2009, a Nationwide Programme for reforming housing and communal services works in Ukraine. It envisages introduction of effective forms of management of multi-apartment buildings. It is expected that by 2014, the majority of multi-apartment buildings will be managed by ACMH.

Ukraine has created about 14,000 ACMHs, however, many of them are facing difficulties in their work. In particular, the lack of knowledge about effective management, operation and maintenance of the building, legal and accounting aspects. Until now, Ukrainian educational system couldn’t offer any educational and professional programs for heads and members of the ACMHs, as well as managers of buildings.

In this regard, the Ministry of Regional Development, Construction and Housing and Communal Services of Ukraine decided that there is a need to develop and implement a standard educational program that will aim at qualifying "Manager of multi- apartment building" and training for heads and / or boards members of Associations.

This task was supported by UNDP/ MGSDP because it coincides with the priorities of the project. For 8 years, the project has supported more than 180 community projects, conducted seminars and consulted the existing ACMHs.

On August, 15, the meeting of the Housing section of Scientific and Technical Council of the Ministry of Regional Development, Construction and Housing took place. The educational programmes were presented by Leonid Tulovsky, UNDP/MGSDP Quality Management Officer and Nataliya Baldych, assistant professor of Housing management department of the National Academy of Public Administration under the President of Ukraine, who was engaged to develop these programmes.

Members of the Section decided to approve the pilot curriculums for training heads, board members as well as managers of multi- apartment buildings. Also, requested the Housing Department of the Ministry of Regional Development and Construction of Ukraine to finalize the educational programmes and send them for examination to higher education institutions.

Upon approval by the Ministry of Education, Youth and Sports of Ukraine and the Ministry of Regional Development, Construction and Housing and Communal Services of Ukraine, both educational programs will be included to the list of main programs, providing postgraduate education in Ukraine.

For more information, please contact Galyna Smirnova, UNDP/MGSDP Monitoring and Communications Officer, tel. (044) 584-34-75 or e-mail: galyna.smirnova@undp.org