In these challenging times, 果冻APP marks the 210th anniversary of its activity. On this occasion, it is especially important to remember those thanks to whom this celebration is possible. That鈥檚 why 果冻APP not only volunteers and supports the Ukrainian army, but also educates veterans, providing them with new knowledge and professional qualifications. The Veteran Service Center helps them adapt to civilian life by offering consultations, organizing various events, and supporting them throughout their studies and beyond.
On March 3, another meeting between veteran students and the university administration took place. During the meeting, they had the opportunity to discuss the challenges and concerns veterans face while mastering a new profession and integrating into the academic environment.
Open Dialogue
Part of the meeting focused on discussing the opportunities the university can provide for veterans, as well as the challenges faced by participants in the educational process. In this format, veterans, teaching staff, and university administration openly discussed expectations, barriers, and opportunities.
Veterans emphasized the need for greater flexibility in the educational process, as well as more empathy and understanding from the academic community. They also highlighted the importance of technical support, practice-oriented training, and the development of military and defense technologies.
Academics, in turn, stressed their readiness not only to share knowledge but also to provide support, flexibility, and open communication throughout the learning process.
Veteran Service Center: Systemic Support
Considerable attention during the meeting was also given to the activities of the Veteran Service Center. Its history began in 2018 on the initiative of university teachers, and since 2023 the Center has significantly expanded its work.
Over the years, the Center has helped hundreds of veterans integrate into civilian life, adapt socially, and find employment. Among its key achievements there are the creation of a Single Window for Veteran Entrants; an increase in the number of veteran students from 72 to nearly 300; and the development of short-term educational programs and training courses. These include the Program for Training Specialists in Veteran Support, the microqualifications Strategic Development of Territorial Communities and Social Entrepreneurship. The Center also creates opportunities for veterans to participate in various international partnership initiatives and educational projects.
Launching the University Veterans Association
The culmination of the event was the launch of a Public Union of Veterans and Victims of the Russian war against Ukraine. In cooperation with the university, the Association is established by two public organizations: ENERGY OF POSITIVENESS AND PARTICIPANTS OF THE PROCESS OF DEFENSE OF THE HOMELAND.
The goal of the Association is to create a safe and supportive environment for veterans, promote their professional and social integration, involve them in educational and scientific activities, and contribute to the development of defense technologies and practical projects.
The first constituent meeting took place during the event. Tetiana Shapovalova, Head of the Veteran Service Center, and Bohdan Mirinchyk, Head of the Students and PhD Students Union, were invited to join the board of the newly established union.
