As part of its efforts to expand international cooperation and advance innovative educational practices, Bohdan Khmelnytsky National University of Cherkasy (BKNUC) welcomed leading international experts in the field of humanitarian policy.

The university hosted Dr Mehri Hilton, a British peacebuilding researcher, educational programme developer, and former BBC media producer, together with JC Clapsaddle, an expert in applied peacebuilding and humanitarian response and a retired colonel of the United States Air Force Medical Service.

The visit was organised with the support of the Rotary Club Cherkasy International. Nataliia Shcherbinina, Valeriia Shynkarova, Heorhii Hladkyi, and Serhii Dudka contributed to its organisation.

During the meeting, international partners presented the concept of the Peacebuilders Now programme, developed by the International Institute for Peacebuilding in Active Conflict (IIPAC). The programme aims to help children develop emotional resilience, empathy, non-violent communication skills, and constructive conflict resolution strategies while living in the midst of prolonged crises, rather than waiting until armed conflict has ended.

As part of the visit, the guests met with Yevhenii Kyryliuk, Acting Rector of Bohdan Khmelnytsky National University of Cherkasy; Tetiana Zorochkina, Acting Director of the Educational-Scientific Institute of Pedagogical Education, Social Work and Art; Victoriia Bilyk, Head of the Department of Educational Management, Art Management and Social Work. Academic staff members and Kateryna Kutynska, a student of the Educational-Scientific Institute of Pedagogical Education, Social Work and Art, also participated in the meeting.

The participants discussed the opportunities to adapt international educational practices to the needs of the Ukrainian education system, prospects for implementing specialised training courses for teacher education students, and professional development programmes for educators.

Particular attention was given to developing joint research and educational projects, promoting academic mobility, strengthening international partnerships, and exchanging expertise in the field of peace education, social and emotional learning, and psychological support for children and young people.

During the tour of the Educational-Scientific Institute of Pedagogical Education, Social Work and Art, the guests were introduced to the institute’s modern facilities and innovative learning environment. The international experts visited the STEM Laboratory, the Resource Room: Space of Opportunities, and the exhibition hall, where they explored educational, artistic, and inclusive practices actively integrated into the educational process. The visitors highly praised the modern laboratory equipment, its practical potential, and the university’s learning environment, which supports the preparation of future teachers in line with European standards.

At the conclusion of the visit, both sides expressed their mutual interest in deepening cooperation and implementing joint initiatives aimed at strengthening social cohesion, supporting Ukrainian communities, and advancing modern teacher education in accordance with international standards.

The Educational-Scientific Institute of Pedagogical Education, Social Work and Art