Today’s world is more connected than ever before, but for most of us, face-to-face meetings with citizens of other nations are a rarity.

Last week, a number of Rhode Islanders had an opportunity to meet a delegation from Ukraine. The six visitors – nominated by the Rotary Club of Truskavets, Ukraine – were hosted by the Scituate Rotary Club, and made the trip to the U.S. through the Open World Program, a joint venture of the Open World Leadership Center in partnership with Rotary International.

Among them were entrepreneurs, a deputy research and planning director, a newspaper editor, and a facilitator. An interpreter and Rotary representatives accompanied the group.

The focus of the program was “accountable governance,” and the Ukrainian visitors were particularly interested in the workings, and history, of our local and state governments. A main focus was on the manner in which votes taken by lawmakers are monitored and recorded, with hopes of strengthening such practices in Ukraine.

On Thursday of last week, the group journeyed to Cranston City Hall, where they met with Mayor Allan Fung and other officials before taking a tour. They also made a stop at Iggy’s Boardwalk in Warwick for lunch.

Along the way, they asked a range of questions about the foundation and structure of municipal government in our state, and how the public remains informed and involved through news and social media.

The lion’s share of communication needed to be done through the group’s translator, but the seriousness and commitment of the Ukrainian delegation transcended the linguistic barrier. While their nation has experienced a great deal of turbulence and uncertainty of late, they have devoted their talents and energies toward making government more transparent and responsible. To have them in our state was an honor.

We applaud the Scituate Rotary Club and its members for helping making the trip – and others like it – possible for many years, and also thank those in government and the community who opened their doors to the Ukrainian delegation. The scale of such visits and exchanges may be small, but the impact can be lasting and far-reaching.