Sumy State University is actively implementing projects to support the veteran community.
The implementation progress was discussed at a meeting with Matthias SCHMALE (the UN coordinator in Ukraine) and delegation members who visited SumDU. They are David das NEVES (UN humanitarian recovery advisor) and Maria SHAPOSHNIKOVA (UN communication officer).
The meeting was also attended by Olha REZNICHENKO (UN community mobilization specialist), Natalia SAMOILENKO (chief specialist of the Department of Veteran Affairs of the Sumy Regional State Administration). There were also NGO members, female veterans and wives of defenders.
According to Vasyl KARPUSHA (rector), Sumy State University is among the first higher education institutions in Ukraine to create a barrier-free environment for Ukrainian defenders and their families. The Center for Veteran Development is a hub for supporting the veteran community.
“Sumy State University has an opportunity to provide defenders with a wide range of services, including medical and rehabilitation services at the University Clinic. There is social and psychological support. The University has a powerful sports and physical culture base for physical rehabilitation. Of course, the university systematically implements an inclusive educational policy, including opportunities for professional retraining of military persons,” – noted Vasyl KARPUSHA.
A project concept of the Veteran Development Center was presented by Andriana KOSTENKO (head of the Department of Psychology, Political Science and Socio-Cultural Technologies).
The project “Space of Opportunities: A Program of Facilitation Meetings on Employment and Career Planning for Veterans and Their Families” is being realized by the Veteran Development Center with the Department of Psychology, Political Science and Socio-Cultural Technologies. There is also cooperation with the UN and the NGO “Center for Public Initiatives Sumy Region Intellect”.
According to Andriana KOSTENKO, the project goal is to create favorable social and psychological conditions through facilitation meetings for professional adaptation and career development of veterans and their families.
Four activities are being implemented as part of the project. One of them is the creation of self-assistance groups, which aims to consolidate a community of veterans and their families to support each other.
Participants of self-assistance groups shared their impressions. Creating a friendly environment for veterans and their families who share common experiences helps them adapt to civilian life.
Matthias SCHMALE noted SumDU efforts to develop veterans’ policy and expressed solidarity with the Ukrainian people.
“We see how steadfastly you are fighting against Russian aggression. We sympathize with you and want the war to end soon. The way you are defending your country and uniting is an inspiration to the whole world. We respect what you do for your country and for the veteran community. And we are ready to promote implementation of your projects both now and, if necessary, after the war is over,” – said Matthias SCHMALE.
“We are constantly developing the Veteran Development Center. We are sincerely grateful for this,” – emphasized Vasyl KARPUSHA.
As part of the visit, the UN representatives visited the physical rehabilitation center at the University Clinic. They inspected the unique equipment purchased with assistance of international donor organizations.