Kherson State University

This year, the event brought together participants from 31 regions of Ukraine, as well as international partners from leading educational institutions in Europe. Among them was the Director of the Institute of Educational Sciences of the University of Basel (Switzerland), Professor Elena Makarova, who presented a report entitled “Science in Action: Educational Initiatives in Support of Ukrainians – Experience of the Institute of Educational Sciences of the University of Basel”.

Professor Olena Makarova spoke about the Science in Action initiative, which was launched in response to Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine. The initiative has three strategic directions:

Integration of Ukrainian refugee families into Swiss society;
Integration of Ukrainian scientists into the Swiss academic environment;
Scientific solidarity with researchers who continue to work in Ukraine in times of war.

The initiative is based on the belief that the right to education is fundamental and cannot be restricted even in extraordinary circumstances. The professor drew attention to global educational challenges, in particular, structural inequality in access to education for migrant children in OECD countries.

One example of the activity was the implementation of the intercultural project "Ukraine through the eyes of children", within the framework of which Ukrainian and Swiss children shared their vision of war, losses and hopes through drawings. This artistic dialogue not only became a tool for psycho-emotional support, but also helped Swiss teachers better understand the needs of refugee children in the educational environment.

The initiative's web platform provides educational resources for teachers and parents, including information about the Swiss school system, teaching materials, as well as opportunities for scientific cooperation.

The professor paid special attention to cooperation with Kherson State University. She noted that KhSU scientists Yevgenia Morozova and Anastasia Volyanyuk not only presented the university in Switzerland, but also participate in the institute's research projects and create research applications. Thanks to the support of the partner association Valmez4Shelter, in 2023 KhSU received humanitarian aid in the form of 44 computers, which are now actively used in the educational process.

Concluding her speech, Professor Elena Makarova expressed deep respect for Ukrainian scientists and teachers who continue their work despite threats, losses and instability. Her message emphasized the main idea of the speech: science and education are not only spheres of knowledge, but also spaces of solidarity, resilience and hope.