Youth School of Trade Union Leader – 2026

On March 20–22, the heads of the trade union committee of students, postgraduates and doctoral students of the Zaporizhia Polytechnic National University, Svitlana Sadikova and Sofia Stepanenko, participated in the Youth School of the Trade Union Leader – 2026 in the city of Lviv, representing the trade union youth of the Zaporizhia Regional Organization of the Trade Union of Education and Science Workers of Ukraine.

The school brought together active youth in the education sector for training, exchange of experience, development of modern competencies and strengthening the role of youth in the trade union movement.

The first day began with a solemn ceremony, introductions and open dialogue. The participants learned about the Ukrainian-German Trade Union Partnership, discussed the role of youth in trade unions, and identified work priorities for the coming days.

The second day was dedicated to psychological resilience and recovery in wartime. Young people learned to better understand themselves and support others. In addition, the participants mastered the tools of artificial intelligence in education — from basic understanding to practical application in work. Finally, they mastered the basics of project management — key skills for implementing any initiatives.

The final day was the result of the work. Participants presented their own developments, shared the best cases of youth trade union work, and worked on creating educational initiatives that will have a real impact in the regions of Ukraine.

The Youth School of the Trade Union Leader has become a powerful educational platform for the country’s youth, as well as a space for acquaintances, networking, and inspiration. New knowledge, ideas and people are a step towards a strong, active and conscious youth trade union movement.

The event was organized by the Trade Union of Education and Science Workers of Ukraine in partnership with the Trade Union of German Educators – GEW.

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