On 12 September 2021, the autumn semester of the project “Norway–Ukraine. Professional Adaptation. Integration into the State System” started at Zhytomyr Polytechnic State University.
This semester brought together 33 participants, including ATO/JFO veterans and their spouses. The participants began their studies under the programme “Entrepreneurship and Web Technologies in Business.” The course focused on developing entrepreneurial knowledge and practical skills, with particular attention to opportunities for participating in regional, national and international programmes aimed at attracting funding for business ideas and social entrepreneurship initiatives.
In Zhytomyr, the project was implemented by Zhytomyr Polytechnic State University and the NGO “Center for Conversion and Professional Adaptation” (CCPA), with the support of the International Foundation for Social Adaptation.
Thanks to the informational support of the International Foundation for Social Adaptation, and personally its President Volodymyr Rubtsov, the participants and invited guests had the opportunity to watch a video address by Erik Svedahl, Ambassador of Norway to Ukraine.
The participants were welcomed by Oksana Oliinyk, First Vice-Rector of Zhytomyr Polytechnic State University; Iryna Zhyhlei, responsible for organising the educational process under the “Norway–Ukraine” project at Zhytomyr Polytechnic; Mykhailo Psiuk, Head of the NGO “Center for Conversion and Professional Adaptation”; and Nataliia Kharytonova, the project psychologist.
Graduates of previous cohorts also joined the opening event, including Nataliia Honchar from Malyn, a graduate of the first cohort, and Oleksandr Lutsevych, a graduate of the second cohort.
It was especially encouraging to see among the new participants the husbands and wives of graduates from previous semesters. One of the distinctive features of the project at Zhytomyr Polytechnic is the possibility for participants to attend classes together with their children. A dedicated children’s space was arranged thanks to the efforts of Olena Syvak and Liudmyla Kalenchuk.
During the event, Viktor Yevdokymov, Rector of Zhytomyr Polytechnic State University, was awarded the medal “For Loyalty to the National Idea” by order of the All-Ukrainian Civic Association “Kraina.” The award recognised his significant contribution to the formation of a modern national idea, patriotism and active work aimed at uniting Ukrainians around the world in support of Ukraine’s sovereignty and development.
The medal was presented by Vasyl Honchar, a participant of the autumn cohort of the project.
For CCPA, the continuation of the “Norway–Ukraine” project in Zhytomyr represents an important contribution to the professional readaptation of veterans and their families. The project combines education, entrepreneurship, psychological support and community engagement, helping participants build new professional pathways and strengthen their role in civilian life.
