February 24, 2025, the «Veteran Policy: Challenges and Prospects» round table was held at Lesya Ukrainka Volyn National University.
The event called the representatives of the higher education institution's administration, local authorities, war veterans, security and defence of Ukraine, and medical organisations. The main goal of the round table was to discuss the issues of veteran policy and support for veterans, as well as the implementation of new improvement projects of this work. The event was moderated by the acting head of Department of History and Culture of the Ukrainian Language Iryna Levchuk and the veteran policy specialist of Department of Youth Policy and Social Work of the University Andriy Lev.
The meeting began with a speech by the acting rector Anatolii Tsos. He emphasized the importance of such initiatives and described the activities conducted in this direction and the implementation of new projects. «The university, of course, must provide quality education, which is our main mission. We are obliged to provide it at highest level. But the University is also a community of Ukraine, and this community must be caring. We must be patriotic and do everything possible to promote the defence of our state. We must talk about veteran policy, be ready to work with veterans, provide them with educational services. Believe me, education is a very high-quality form of socialisation of the individual,» said Anatolii Tsos.
According to the acting rector, today 123 veterans and military personnel, 112 students from temporarily occupied territories, and 376 students who are children of military personnel are studying at the University.
Anatolii Tsos also noted that psychological assistance is an important aspect, therefore, the Mental Health Centre and the Psychological Counseling Centre operate on the basis of Faculty of Psychology. The acting rector said that the University’s further plans include the creation of a veteran space to contribute to even greater support for veterans.
The authorities also spoke about the results of work and the challenges they face, noting that veterans' policy is a priority for the region.
Olha Danilova, Advisor to the Commissioner for Human Rights of the Verkhovna Rada of Ukraine on issues of respecting veterans' rights, emphasized the importance of the association to support veterans. «Volyn really impresses me. I am impressed with your psychological developments. I would like to note that the developments created at your University for the treatment of post-traumatic syndrome are used in the Ministry of Health,» said Olha Danilova.
Dean of Faculty of Psychology, Liudmyla Malimon, emphasized that the faculty is not only an educational but also a scientific environment. «Scientific work is not only a theoretical basis, but also a practical component. In recent years, we have developed a significant number of programmes for working with combatants, veterans, with situations of acute stress, and communication features. We are also implementing a powerful programme to improve the skills of clinical psychologists,» said Liudmila Malimon noting that more than 200 people had undergone advanced training.
During the round table, it was possible to learn about the problems and requests of the veterans and military personnel who outlined the most important needs.
The event presented an exhibition of works by the students of Department of Fine Arts entitled: «When Hope Ends, the Struggle Begins,» as well as by a graduate of Department of Fine Arts Andrii Horbal entitled «War Horbal.»
Summing up the discussion, the participants of the round table outlined further support for the veterans and military personnel, assessment of the conducted work and identifying the key areas for creating quality support. The event became an important step in the development of the University’s veteran policy and support for the veterans.
Information Policy Office
Photo:
Information Work Department of Lutsk City Council
