Introductory speech at the International Conference ServU: Service-Learning for Ukraine’s Recovery (09.06.2026, Lviv/online)
On June 9, 2026, the team from the National Erasmus+ Office – Ukraine took part in the ServU International Conference: Service-Learning for the Recovery of Ukraine, held at the Ukrainian Catholic University in Lviv and online within the framework of the Erasmus+ CBHE project Service-learning in Higher Education for Ukraine’s Recovery (ServU).
The conference served as the final event of the ServU project, funded by the Erasmus+ Programme and bringing together Ukrainian and European universities to promote service-learning as a tool for Ukraine’s recovery, strengthening civic engagement, and enhancing cooperation between higher education institutions and local communities. The project is coordinated by the Ukrainian Catholic University and implemented by a consortium of Ukrainian and European partners.
The event brought together representatives of higher education institutions, local communities, civil society organisations, international partners, researchers, and practitioners to discuss the role of education in Ukraine’s recovery, civic participation, and community resilience. Particular attention was paid to the implementation of service-learning as an innovative educational approach that combines academic learning with practical community-oriented activities.
The conference programme included thematic discussions on adapting the service-learning methodology to the realities of war and post-war recovery, developing partnerships between universities and communities, institutionalising service-learning in Ukrainian higher education institutions, and strengthening international cooperation in education and reconstruction.
During the opening session, Svitlana SHYTIKOVA, Coordinator of the National Erasmus+ Office – Ukraine, delivered a welcome address and presentation on the role of the EU Erasmus+ Programme in supporting transformational processes in higher education, fostering students’ civic responsibility, and strengthening cooperation between universities and communities. In her speech, she highlighted the importance of international cooperation projects for developing innovative educational approaches, increasing the social impact of universities, and supporting Ukraine’s recovery through education, partnerships, and active civic engagement.
Participants presented the outcomes of the ServU project, shared experiences in implementing service-learning approaches at Ukrainian universities, and discussed opportunities for scaling up successful practices at both national and international levels. Particular attention was given to community resilience, youth social leadership, and the development of long-term partnerships among educational institutions, civil society organisations, and local authorities.
The conference provided a platform for professional dialogue on the role of higher education in Ukraine’s recovery and reaffirmed the importance of service-learning as a tool for promoting active citizenship, social cohesion, and sustainable community development.