SumDU hosted the training program “People with War Experience. Dignity. Cooperation”. It was organized within the all-Ukrainian mental health program “How Are You?”, which is being implemented at the initiative of Ukraine’s First Lady Olena ZELENSKA. Participants in the training included specialists from the Sumy Regional Employment Center, who enhanced their knowledge and practical skills in working with male and female veterans as well as family members.

The event was opened by Olena KIRIEIEVA (deputy head of the Sumy Regional State Administration and head of the Regional Military Administration); Oksana ISHCHENKO (director of the Sumy Regional Employment Center); Vasyl KARPUSHA (SumDU rector); Andriana KOSTENKO (vice rector for humanitarian policy); and Zhanna SYDORENKO (regional coordinator of the All-Ukrainian Mental Health Program “How Are You?” in the Sumy Oblast). During the opening ceremony, activities of the SumDU Center for Veteran Development were also presented.

The program trainer was Inna CHYSTENKO (regional coordinator of the program “How Are You?” in the Chernihiv Oblast; advisor to head of the Chernihiv Regional State Administration on mental health issues; clinical psychologist).

Participants examined current veteran policy, socioeconomic reintegration of male and female veterans; mechanisms for interagency cooperation. A separate module was devoted to psychoeducation, combat trauma, prevention of post-traumatic stress disorder, principles of a trauma-informed approach. The practical program part included strategic simulation to identify needs of veterans and their family members, effective communication with people who have experienced war.

“For SumDU, veteran policy is not just a tangential topic. It is becoming one of key components of the university’s third mission. The university is part of the community and works for it,” noted Vasyl KARPUSHA.

According to the rector, the university’s multidisciplinary nature allows it to combine educational, research, and expert resources to support the veteran community.

“Such events are an important element of cooperation in shaping veterans’ policy. Employees of the employment center acquire necessary skills for effective interaction with veterans. The university is always open to such cooperation and ready to lend a hand in areas that are important to society”, he emphasized.

Oksana ISHCHENKO (director of the Sumy Regional Employment Center) noted long-standing partnership with SumDU and emphasized importance of ongoing professional development for the center’s staff:

“SumDU and the Sumy Regional Employment Service have been collaborating effectively for many years. We are grateful to the university for its support and partnership. Such training is extremely important, as it helps our staff provide higher-quality services to all clients, particularly male and female veterans”.

She also emphasized that developing psychological competence of specialists directly impacts support provided to people who turn to the employment service.

Conducting such training programs at SumDU contributes to development of veteran policy in the region, strengthens inter-institutional cooperation, and trains specialists who work with people who have experienced war.