Visit of a delegation of educators from Ukraine to Frankfurt am Main and Mainz

From April 12 to 18, with the financial support of the German Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development (BMZ), within the framework of a long-term partnership project between the Trade Union of Education and Science Workers of Ukraine and the German Trade Union of Education and Science Workers (GEW), a delegation of educators from Ukraine visited Frankfurt am Main and Mainz.

The Zaporizhia Polytechnic National University and the Zaporizhia region were represented by the delegation headed by the Deputy Head of the Trade Union of Education and Science Workers of Ukraine Olga Chabanyuk, and the Vice-Rector for Scientific and Pedagogical Work, Socio-Economic Development and Youth Policy Andriy Ivanchenko. Together with colleagues from Taras Shevchenko National University of Kyiv, Yuriy Fedkovych Chernivtsi National University, employees of educational institutions and trade union organizations of educators of Odessa, Donetsk, Chernihiv, Lviv, Ternopil, Mykolaiv, Vinnytsia regions and the city of Kyiv, he took part in meetings with GEW representatives, study visits to educational institutions of the German federal state of Hesse.

The project reflected Germany’s commitment to strengthening democratic institutions, social partnership and the sustainability of the education sector in Ukraine. The initiative focuses on promoting sustainable organizational development, improving social dialogue mechanisms and disseminating the exchange of best practices in representing the rights and interests of education workers. Particular attention was paid to strengthening the capacity of multipliers, adaptation to current socio-economic challenges, in particular those arising from the war and the need for systemic recovery in Ukraine.

The program of the visit included joint practical sessions aimed at strengthening cooperation and developing future joint initiatives. Reports on the education system in Germany, a tour of the Westend campus of Goethe University in Frankfurt, participation in the public event “International Security Policy, Civil Society and the War in Ukraine” at Goethe University with the participation of Professor Doc. Tobias Wille, meetings in schools of various types in Frankfurt am Main and Mainz, communication with students and employees of German schools and universities (in particular with Ukrainians), exchange of experience – all these are productive activities within the framework of the working trip.

Working together – developing together!