On October 17, 2024, a special event was held at the "Ion Pilat" Special Vocational School in Dorohoi, Botoșani County, as part of Interreg Cooperation Day 2024. Organized by the management structures of the Interreg NEXT Romania-Ukraine programme, the event aimed to promote European values and cross-border cooperation, highlighting the benefits and real impact of European Union-funded projects in border regions.
The activity in Dorohoi focused on promoting social inclusion and the investments in education made through the improvements done to special schools in Botoșani County and the rehabilitation of the sports field at the "Ion Pilat" Special Vocational School in Dorohoi.
Students from the school in Dorohoi were at the center of attention, participating in sports activities on the newly constructed field alongside officials and other guests. Additionally, they presented emotional artistic performances, dancing and singing to celebrate the friendship and cooperation between Romania and Ukraine. At the end, the children were rewarded with medals, diplomas, and school supplies in an atmosphere full of joy and solidarity.
In addition to the sports activities, guests had the opportunity to visit painting workshops dedicated to cooperation, as well as physiotherapy sessions where children receive specialized support.
The project “Cross-Border Educational Network between Botoșani County (Romania) and Hliboca District (Ukraine) – BEDUN”, funded by the Joint Operational Programme Romania-Ukraine 2014-2020, was implemented by the Botoșani County Council and Hliboca City Hall, aiming to modernize educational services for children with special educational needs in Romania and Ukraine.
Each year, the Interreg NEXT Romania-Ukraine program joins other European Union-funded territorial cooperation programmes to mark Interreg Cooperation Day. This celebration emphasizes the significant impact that cross-border projects have on improving the quality of life in border regions.
