On April 4, Sumy State University (SSU) hosted a training session titled “Service-learning: From Planning to Implementation in the Educational Process” for representatives of higher education institutions, local territorial communities, and civic education experts.

Participants discussed ways to enhance collaboration between universities and communities in support of Ukraine’s recovery.

The event was organized within the framework of the EU Erasmus+ international project 101128922 – ServU – ERASMUS-EDU-2023-CBHE “Service-learning in Higher Education for Ukraine’s Recovery.”

ServU: Education as a Driver of Change for Communities

The ServU project aims to foster stronger cooperation between higher education institutions and local communities through the implementation of service-learning—an innovative approach that enables students not only to gain academic knowledge but also to apply it in practice to address real challenges in their communities.

Special attention is given to three categories of communities most affected by the war:

• Communities hosting large numbers of internally displaced persons, which need support in integrating new residents and fostering inclusion;
• Frontline communities, whose physical and social infrastructure has suffered damage and requires restoration;
• Communities that experienced Russian occupation, which face the challenges of returning to normal life, rebuilding communication networks, and restoring social trust.

SSU: Learning in Action to Support Communities

SSU is actively implementing service-learning within its educational process, translating academic outcomes into practical solutions for community development during wartime and in the post-war period.

During the training, SSU representatives presented a case study of service-learning practices. In particular, they highlighted research carried out by faculty and students of the Department of Psychology, Political Science, and Socio-Cultural Technologies as part of the ServU – ERASMUS-EDU-2023 project.

In the autumn of 2023, focus group interviews were conducted to assess the needs of territorial communities in terms of resilience, recovery, and sustainable development. Each community’s focus group included representatives of local authorities, businesses, civil society, and residents, including individuals from vulnerable population groups.

“The implementation of service-learning provides students with real-life experience in engaging with communities, thereby fostering their development. At the same time, communities gain access to expert knowledge and modern approaches that help them address urgent needs. Education is not just about knowledge—it is a tool for transformation,” emphasized Inna SHKOLNYK, First Vice-Rector of SSU.