The rector of Vasyl Stefanyk Carpathian National University, Valentyna Yakubiv, signed a cooperation agreement with the National University of Kyiv-Mohyla Academy within the framework of the project “Transformational experience of education for the return of veterans of the Russian-Ukrainian war.”
The project is implemented with the support of the International Renaissance Foundation and combines the efforts of partner institutions and three pilot universities. Its goal is to develop and implement effective models of educational, professional, and social support for veterans.
For Carpathian National University, participation in the project is an important strategic step toward developing a systemic veteran policy. It is not only an educational initiative but also the formation of a new culture of support for veterans, promoting their professional adaptation, developing leadership and entrepreneurial skills, and integrating them into the educational, social, and economic spaces.
The project envisages the development of methodological recommendations for higher education institutions of Ukraine on organising work with the veteran community. The document will contain practical examples of implementing veteran initiatives at universities, as well as approaches to effective interaction with partners, including veteran centres, public organisations, businesses, government agencies, and other stakeholders.
A separate area of work will be the development of a course on transformational leadership for veterans with subsequent pilot implementation. The program will aim to develop leadership potential, management competencies, team interaction skills, decision-making, self-realisation, and veterans’ active participation in community, business, and societal development.
Also, within the framework of the project, a targeted labour market study will be conducted, including an analysis of current professions and skills relevant to veterans, identification of promising areas of employment and opportunities for self-employment, and development of veteran entrepreneurship.
Vasyl Stefanyk Carpathian National University is already implementing practical steps in this direction. In particular, the admissions committee website has a separate information tab for veterans and combatants that provides up-to-date information on admission requirements, training, and required procedures.
The project manager from the university is Antonina Tomashevska, head of the Department of Management and Business Administration.
The University consistently develops its role as a modern educational and scientific centre, as well as a space of support, partnership, and new opportunities for those who defended Ukraine. Participation in the project “Transformational Experience of Education for the Return of Veterans of the Russian-Ukrainian War” strengthens its social mission and its contribution to post-war reconstruction in Ukraine.
