Partnership is measured not by words, but by steps and actions. Today, the Bilohorodka community welcomed a true friend of Ukraine—Jean-François Vigier, the Mayor of our sister city Bures-sur-Yvette (France). Previously, we had only communicated online, but today we finally met in Bilohorodka in person.
We started at the village council, demonstrating how our community operates today, what our daily life looks like, and how our work is organized under wartime conditions. Next was education. We visited Bilohorodka Academic Lyceum No. 1, where we showed the "Defense of Ukraine" classroom, the renovated catering block, the mental health classroom, and the lyceum's bomb shelter. For our French partners, a school shelter is an unusual sight. Fortunately, their children do not know what it is like to study to the sound of air raid sirens or hold classes in semi-basement spaces. We also visited the "Buratino" preschool in Sviatopetrivske. One of its buildings is currently awaiting the completion of a bomb shelter construction so that children can safely return to classes.
Furthermore, we presented our local healthcare system—the "Center for Primary Medico-Sanitary Aid." Jean-François learned about the National Program "Screening 40+" and the medical services currently available to our residents. Notably, the family medicine system in France is very similar to Ukraine's, featuring local family doctors and electronic referrals to specialists.
We also shared the natural beauty of our region. We visited the observation deck in the village of Luka, which overlooks the Irpin River valley and the unique historic landscape of ancient Bilohorod, now the modern Bilohorodka community. We concluded the day at the local restaurant complex "Secret Forest"—a place combining Ukrainian hospitality, nature, and the authentic atmosphere of our community. I am grateful to local businesses that continue to grow and develop right here.
The meeting was remarkably warm and meaningful. We showed how the Bilohorodka community lives today—how we work, educate our children, support our people, and continue to live and develop despite the war. This resilience represents the spirit of all of Ukraine. Jean-François seemed genuinely impressed by our people, our steadfastness, and Ukrainian hospitality. Tomorrow, another important meeting awaits us, but more on that a bit later.
