On the occasion of Students' Day, President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelensky held a meeting with students and teachers of Mariupol State University, which resumed work at the Kyiv National University of Civil Engineering and Architecture in the capital in April 2022.
Before the large-scale Russian invasion, about 5,000 students, including foreign students, studied at Mariupol University, and 500 teachers and other staff worked there.
During his visit to the university, the Head of State was familiarised with the state of the university, where renovation work is still underway in the new premises, and with the plans for its development. Vladimir Zelensky visited the audience and the admissions committee, where he left a motivational message for applicants and students. The President was also shown the university's cyber security laboratory.
Rector of the International State University Nikolai Trofimenko told the head of state that after the start of the Russian aggression almost the entire material and technical base of the university was destroyed and looted, 18 students and teachers were killed, information about more than 250 people is unknown. . Some students and staff remained in Mariupol until 15 March, forced to survive under constant enemy shelling without water, food or medical care.
The rector of the International State University also informed Vladimir Zelensky that after moving to Kiev, the team decided to rebuild a modern institution of higher education with a new philosophy while preserving the identity of the university, becoming "even more Mariupol", preserving the memory of the city's tragedy and being an ambassador of Mariupol in Ukraine and the world. In particular, the new symbol of the institution was the dove associated with Freedom Square in Mariupol.
During the conversation with the students, the President noted that he was pleased to be among the people of Mariupol today who preserve the spirit of their university.
"I think your university is exceptional. This is a space of knowledge, memory, dignity and what I read there - 'Endurable Campus' - I think it's about you. The 21st century campus in general is this approach to our state. You are the face of the students of our country, the face of the indestructible student body," the head of state emphasized.
Young people asked whether student scholarships were expected to increase. According to the Head of State, the Ukrainian Government had such a task and the possibilities of a suitable solution were being explored.
"When it comes to scholarships, the government has such a task. We have discussed this with the ministry. We will work to increase the volume of scholarships next year," Vladimir Zelensky said.
Students also asked about simplifying the process of travelling abroad to study and intern to acquire new knowledge and skills. The President responded by stressing the importance of avoiding factors that would create psychological tension between the military at the front and civilians. Therefore, in his view, a fair solution must be found on the issue of foreign travel.
"Separate programs for people of non-mobilization age, scientists for the development or acquisition of knowledge that Ukraine needs... I believe that the Ministry should work and give you the opportunity to bring this knowledge to Ukraine," the head of state said. is convinced.
Responding to the students' questions about incentives for the return of Ukrainians, especially young people from abroad, Volodymyr Zelensky noted that the issues of security and the creation of new jobs with decent working conditions are important for this, and our state is working on this today.
For his part, Education and Science Minister Oksen Lisovoy added that an important incentive for the return of young people to Ukraine should also be the improvement of education, for which a number of concrete steps have already been taken. In particular, work is being done to strengthen the autonomy of universities, empower students and control the quality of the educational process and curricula.
The President wished the students and teachers of Mariupol State University to return the new space created in Kiev to their hometown in the future.
"You can change the walls, but you certainly cannot change your nature, your condition. They could not and will not be able to destroy you. Nor will they be able to defeat us. Yes, it's not easy. But who promised it would be easy? But victory will surely be and will remain in history. I wish you victory! Glory to Ukraine!" - the head of state said at the end of the meeting.
(president.gov.ua/RoZ)
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