The University of Silesia and Vytautas Magnus University, Lithuania (VMU) have launched an international project called SUCCESS (Socially innovative Ukrainian Centres in Central Europe: Empowerment and Social Support). The project aims to support refugees from Ukraine by creating strong integration and social support structures. The project was officially launched on 9–11 June 2025 during meetings in Katowice, which gathered partners from both universities in order to plan joint efforts. The three-day meetings were opened by: Prof. Tomasz Pietrzykowski, Vice-Rector for International and Domestic Cooperation, and Małgorzata Myśliwiec, PhD, DSc, Assoc. Prof., Dean of the Faculty of Social Sciences.
During inauguration day in Katowice, Prof. Vilma Bijeikienė (Vice-Rector for Communication at VMU) and Prof. Tomasz Pietrzykowski signed a resolution on cooperation for the development of the Centres of Ukraine in Poland and Lithuania, thereby confirming the two universities’ 18-month commitment to supporting refugees. The meeting also served as an opportunity to discuss the detailed action plan, stakeholder mapping, and the communication and dissemination strategy for the project.
The SUCCESS Project builds on the experience of the VMU Centre of Ukraine established in June 2022 on the initiative of the First Ladies of Lithuania and Ukraine. The entity has become a model for social support of refugees in Vilnius. Its operations are now being extended to further regions of Lithuania. The project includes plans to train community leaders, develop funding for local initiatives, organise youth activities and language courses (Lithuanian, Polish, and English), as well as support the ‘Youth Think Tank’ programme.
The University of Silesia has consolidated its ongoing actions supporting the Ukrainian community, including integrative initiatives and academic support for students and scientists from Ukraine. The SUCCESS Project follows USil’s broader engagement in international and social activities, promoting a lasting collaboration and exchange of experiences concerning Ukrainian refugees. The three-day meetings in Katowice resulted in developing strategic and operation frameworks for the SUCCESS Project
Photo by Yuliana Palagnyuk, PhD, DLitt
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