On December 5, Sumy State University hosted an event titled “Reflective Analysis of Community Service-Learning Experience”, organized within the framework of the international project “Service-Learning in Higher Education for Ukraine’s Recovery” (ServU), No. 101128922 – ServU – ERASMUS-EDU-2023-CBHE.

The event focused on discussing the results of implementing the service-learning method  – an innovative approach that combines academic training with community service, enabling students not only to gain theoretical knowledge but also to apply it to solving real social issues.

As part of the ServU project, two courses – “Supporting Children’s Mental Health” developed by PhD in Medicine, Associate Professor of the Department of Pediatrics Viktoriia Petrashenko, and “Entrepreneurship and Digital Business Communication” authored by PhD in Economics, Senior Lecturer of the Department of Financial Technologies and Entrepreneurship Anastasiia Samoilikova – were taught using the service-learning approach. A key part of the workshop was the meeting between students who completed these courses and representatives of community partner organizations. The aim was to discuss best practices, insights, and challenges encountered during the implementation of student-led initiatives.

During the “Supporting Children’s Mental Health” course, students researched the pressing needs of the Sumy Territorial Community in the field of psychological support for children and adolescents. Based on community requests, they developed and conducted training sessions aimed at strengthening psycho-emotional resilience, self-regulation, and safe stress responses among young people.

In cooperation with community partners – Sumy Professional Medical Collegeand the municipal institution “Unikum” – students held workshops for different age groups of children and teenagers. Participants engaged in interactive exercises, worked with practical cases, and practiced emotional regulation techniques, helping them develop coping skills and better understand their own emotional states.

This experience provided students with valuable practice in community engagement while partners received meaningful support for local mental health initiatives.

Students of the “Entrepreneurship and Digital Business Communication”course collaborated with representatives of the Sumy Territorial Community, showcasing practical entrepreneurial tools – from registering a private entrepreneur through digital services to presenting business ideas and mini-startups. In cooperation with the NGO “Divchata” (“Girls”)–> an organization supporting women and children in Ukraine – students from the Education and Research Institute for Business, Economics, and Management conducted an in-person training in Sumy for women of various ages and social backgrounds. The session helped participants structure their plans, envision ways to implement them, and gain confidence and motivation to move from idea to action while overcoming digital barriers. Another important community-oriented activity was a webinar held within the NGO “Lifelong Learning Center” initiative, where students shared their skills in developing and implementing business models.

Community representatives praised the high practical value and social significance of the students’ work. The event was attended by Oksana Kubrak, Head of the Department for Strategic and Socio-Economic Development of the Sumy City Council, who noted:

“This event once again demonstrated how important cooperation between the university and the community is. Service-learning shows how educational initiatives can directly influence urban development by shaping active, responsible, and socially conscious citizens. We see such projects not only as educational but also as strategically valuable for Sumy – each student initiative addressing real problems is a small step toward sustainable community development.”

For students, participation in the project became an opportunity to strengthen teamwork, communication, and critical-thinking skills, and to feel personally involved in community development.

The event showcased a successful synergy between academic education and practical activity, proving that implementing service-learning at SumDU not only enriches the educational process but also brings tangible benefits to the local community – contributing to sustainable development, social cohesion, and Ukraine’s recovery.

Dr. Alla Krasulia, PhD in Pedagogy, Associate Professor, Head of the International Relations Office at SumDU, and ServU Project Coordinator, reflected:

“Today’s event once again confirmed that the university is not only a place of learning but a true center of community life. Such initiatives unite us – teachers and students, school pupils, college students, educators, government representatives, and the wider community. We learn to work together, listen to one another, and find solutions to real challenges around us. In Ukraine, and even in Europe, there are still few projects of this kind, yet such practices inspire our colleagues in European university alliances, where service-learning is seen as a powerful tool for regional economic growth, social cohesion, and sustainable development. Therefore, our experience is not only a step forward for SumDU but also a contribution to the shared European idea of education that serves people and communities.”

Prof. Inna Shkolnyk, Doctor of Economic Sciences, First Vice-Rector and Thematic Coordinator of the project, added:

“The use of service-learning methods has shown that this approach deeply immerses students in the subjects they study, particularly in the practical dimension. It allows them to reveal their potential, even in unexpected ways – for example, by sharing their own business project experiences, which in turn inspire community members. The positive emotions felt by all participants – students, teachers, and community representatives – were evident during the presentation and reflection. I am confident that such methods significantly strengthen students’ soft skills and enhance the overall quality of the educational process.”