On May 24, 2024, the final event of the EU project "Educational Open Space for Students and Community" (EDUSPACE) took place at Mariupol State University. The event included a summary conference where key results were presented. Project partners gathered to discuss strategic directions for the further development of displaced educational institutions.

The conference brought together approximately 60 representatives from the EU Delegation to Ukraine, the Ministry of Education and Science of Ukraine, Mariupol State University, Donetsk State University of Internal Affairs, the University of Genoa (Italy), and the Mariupol community.

Rémi Duflot, Deputy Head of the European Union Delegation to Ukraine, noted that The European Union is proud to support the resilience of the displaced universities, their further development at the new locations. This support reflects our commitment to enhancing capacity of Ukraine’s higher education system to overcome challenges caused by war; to ensure their competitiveness with the Member States Universities in the process of Ukraine’s European Integration.

Stella Shapoval, Deputy Director General of the Directorate for International Cooperation of the Ministry of Education and Science of Ukraine, emphasized that thanks to participation in EU projects and cooperation with international partners, the universities involved in the project are setting examples of competitiveness with European educational institutions.

Vira Rybak, Head of the Education and Science Sector of the EU Delegation to Ukraine, echoed the sentiments of the guests and expressed hope for the future: "You have worked hard on all our projects, and it is great to see them helping you achieve your goals. You face enormous challenges, but you possess strength and resilience. I am confident that our universities will endure, and I wish you a bright path not only to our victory and rebuilding but also to ensuring the youth feel confident in the future of our country."

Mykola Trofymenko, Rector of Mariupol State University, and Yegor Nazymko, First Vice-Rector of Donetsk State University of Internal Affairs, presented the main project results and highlighted the reliable support of the EU and its invaluable contribution to the restoration of displaced educational institutions, especially under wartime conditions.

After the welcome speeches, conference participants had the opportunity to discuss key achievements, practices gained, valuable experiences, and tasks for further development during working sessions on the following topics: 1 – Development and Implementation of New Educational Programs; 2 – Community Safety; 3 – Interaction with the Community and Community Services.

The program also included a round table discussion titled "Challenges for Universities and Communities: The Role of Third Mission Centers in Ukrainian Universities in Addressing Them," held in a hybrid format in collaboration with the Erasmus+ project team "University–Communities: Strengthening Cooperation" (UNICOM).

Project Information:

Project Duration: EDUSPACE (2020 – 2024)

Project Goals:

• Create an innovative educational environment for students, teachers, and the community with appropriate modern infrastructure;
• Reconstruct the academic building of MSU (Kyiv, 6 Preobrazhenska St.) and equip the displaced higher education institutions with essential modern facilities such as a Smart Library, conference room, and training classrooms to facilitate the effective work of universities;
• Institutionalize and develop student self-governance in the displaced higher education institutions;
• Develop and implement Master's degree programs in "Community Management" and "Conflict Resolution and Mediation";
• Promote civic activity in the city and region by engaging the local community in the development and promotion of EduSpace.

Main Project Results:

• The Open Educational Space for students and the community was repaired and equipped (Mariupol State University building, 3245 sq. m.);
• The TrainToLead center was repaired and equipped at Donetsk State University of Internal Affairs (635 sq. m.);
• Two new Master's programs were developed: "Conflict Resolution and Mediation" and "Community Management»;
• The Student Self-Governance Academy was launched, with seven series of training sessions conducted for student leaders (107 participants);
• Two student self-governance bodies were institutionalized;
• A mini-grant competition for student self-governance projects was held, with 12 projects implemented.

Consortium Partners:

Coordinator: Mariupol State University

Co-executors: Donetsk State University of Internal Affairs, University of Genoa.

Project Website: https://eduspace.mu.edu.ua

For additional information, please contact Andriy Stoyka at a.stoika@mu.edu.ua or +38 050 326 62 66