Between 20 and 22 October 2025, representatives from the University of Silesia in Katowice took part in a three-day mutual learning visit to Lithuania, organized within the framework of the SUCCESS Project (Socially innovative Ukrainian Centres in Central Europe: Empowerment and Social Support).
The visit focused on exploring the activities of the Ukrainian Centre at Vytautas Magnus University (VMU) in Vilnius and the Mariupol State University Centre in Kaunas. Meetings with project partners, volunteers, and academic staff provided valuable insights into initiatives supporting displaced Ukrainian academics and students. Participants discussed strategies for intercultural cooperation, inclusion, and the sustainable development of Ukrainian Centres across Europe.
The agenda included intensive working sessions, participation in the T4EU Strategic Assembly and Policy Conference, and collaborative meetings on language education and community engagement. A key part of the visit was a strategic discussion between representatives of the University of Silesia and Mariupol State University on strengthening academic partnerships and developing future cooperation models. The delegation also observed volunteer-led initiatives such as youth cultural projects and art workshops introducing Ukrainian children to their national heritage. These activities highlighted the power of solidarity, education, and creativity in fostering resilience.
The study visit concluded with a shared commitment to expand the Ukrainian Centre model as an innovative platform for integration, intercultural dialogue, and civic engagement. Building on the successful experiences of the Centres in Kaunas and Vilnius, partners agreed to continue joint actions under the “Ukrainian Centre Innovation and Sustainability Plan”.
The visit not only strengthened institutional cooperation between universities but also demonstrated how collective efforts and shared values can support communities in times of crisis.
Photo by Yuliana Palagnuk, PhD, DLitt, Assoc. Prof.
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