On November 5, 2025, a formal ceremony was held to present certificates to participants of the second cohort of professional retraining courses under the program “Social Entrepreneurship in the Field of Social Services” at Lviv Polytechnic National University.
This educational initiative was developed within the framework of the international project “The Universities’ Reaction to Big Obstructions: Building Resilient Higher Education to Respond and Manage Societal Crises” (TURBO), implemented at Lviv Polytechnic National University. The project seeks to enhance the resilience of higher education institutions and to strengthen the capacity of local communities to effectively address contemporary societal challenges.
The program emphasizes the integration of social entrepreneurship principles into the provision of social services, aiming to foster innovative approaches that contribute to sustainable community development. By equipping participants with relevant competencies, the initiative supports the formation of adaptive strategies for managing crises and promoting social well-being.
The training process was conducted by faculty members of the Department of Sociology and Social Work at the Institute of Humanities and Social Sciences, in collaboration with specialists from the Lviv Polytechnic Veteran Center and representatives of the New Society of Ukraine public organization. This interdisciplinary partnership facilitated the integration of theoretical knowledge with practical expertise in the domain of social services and the provision of support to vulnerable populations.
Participants in the program were primarily internally displaced persons (IDPs) seeking to acquire new professional competencies, develop innovative ideas, and initiate social projects within their communities. The program is characterized by its innovative pedagogical approach, the relevance of its thematic content, and its practical orientation toward preparing specialists capable of operating effectively in the sphere of social entrepreneurship. Such training is of particular significance in the contemporary context, where adaptive and socially responsible solutions are essential for addressing complex societal challenges.
During the closing ceremony, Olga Filina, Project Coordinator at the International Fund for Social Adaptation, delivered a congratulatory address to the graduates. In her remarks, she emphasized the importance of perseverance, creativity, and commitment in the implementation of future initiatives. Filina also commended the Lviv Polytechnic team, the implementers of the TURBO project, for their professionalism, dedication, and substantial contribution to expanding educational opportunities.
Veronika Vakulenko, Project Coordinator from Nord University (Norway), extended her congratulations to the participants, highlighting the strategic significance of the program for advancing social entrepreneurship, integrating innovative approaches into higher education, and reinforcing the resilience of Ukrainian communities.
The event also featured Dr. Maureen Flaherty from the University of Manitoba (Winnipeg, Canada), who shared insights from her experience working with Ukrainian migrants in Canada. She expressed deep respect for the graduates, acknowledging their determination to pursue education and contribute to societal resilience despite challenging circumstances.
Program participants provided highly positive feedback regarding the quality of instruction, the relevance of course content, and the practical applicability of acquired knowledge. Their evaluations serve as compelling evidence of the effectiveness of the professional retraining initiative supported by microcredit mechanisms.
This project has received funding from the European Union (ERASMUS-EDU-2023-CBHE) under grant agreement No 101129315.
