On June 26, 2025, the guest of Lesya Ukrainka Volyn National University was People's Deputy, Deputy Speaker of the Verkhovna Rada Olena Kondratyuk.
She met with Rector Anatolii Tsos who spoke about the achievements and achievements of the University, in particular, presenting the Complete Works of Lesya Ukrainka in 14 volumes and the 12-volume Collection of Works of Olena Pchilka.
“We have a powerfully developed academic mobility for both students and lecturers. So, now 147 of our applicants are studying on the “Double Diploma” programme,” Anatolii Vasylovych noted.
The first graduation of doctors was mentioned as an important recent event for the University.
“Our Medical Faculty is one of the youngest in higher education institutions in Ukraine. Just a few days ago, we awarded diplomas to the first graduation of medical masters. The faculty trains specialists in medicine, pharmacy, physical therapy, occupational therapy, and this academic year we will also enroll for dentistry,” Rector said.
Olena Kondratiuk personally got acquainted with the activities of the faculty, modern technical equipment and the capabilities of the educational environment. She also visited the university library, equipped spaces for training designers and psychologists. Surprised by the scale and aesthetics of the material and technical base, Ms. Olena highly appreciated the level of the educational infrastructure of the institution.
In addition, Ms. Olena Kondratenko took part in a meeting of the Academic Council at which she had the opportunity to communicate with employees and join the solemn moment of awarding awards.
Ms. Olena discussed current and painful topics related to education with the employees of the University. Thus, she noted: the war brought with it a wave of youth emigration. The issue of mass deportation of teenagers, boys aged 15–17, is particularly painful. Olena Kondratiuk emphasized that politicians and educators are now facing a difficult task of preserving the educational potential within the country, making sure that young people feel protected and happy at home.
In addition, touching on the topic of war, the speaker emphasized: we must be prepared not only morally, but also practically. In particular, everyone must have the skill to apply a tourniquet, a skill that can save the life of your fellow. According to her, it is not only about first aid, but also about psychological readiness to accept reality and act, which should also be provided in educational institutions.
Another problem touched upon in the discussion was that few young Ukrainians want to work in public administration or politics. According to Olena Kondratiuk, without a deep understanding of the functioning of the state, rights and obligations it is difficult for parliamentarism to build an effective country, so there is a need to expand educational activities in universities, which was agreed upon for the future.
“In this difficult time for Ukraine, it is important that education be one of the priority areas. Without education, there can be no successful country at all. Therefore, we must do everything possible to ensure that young people feel protected and happy in Ukraine,” Olena Kondratiuk concluded.
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