On December 10, a significant gathering took place at the National University of Ostroh Academy, where the Operational Command West civil-military cooperation specialists convened.
Anastasiia Kheleniuk, the director of the Museum of the NaUOA History, PhD in History, and senior lecturer, led the officers of OC West command on a comprehensive tour. This tour included the Academic Church of St. Fedir Ostrozkyi, the updated museum expositions, and the dungeon of the Capuchin monastery.
Following the tour, a pivotal meeting was held with the esteemed President of the NaUOA, Doctor of Science (Psychology), Full Professor Ihor Pasichnyk, and the distinguished NaUOA Rector, Doctor of Science (Psychology), Full Professor Eduard Balashov.
Ihor Demydovych presented the rich history of the university to the military personnel, starting with the establishment of the first higher education institution in Eastern Europe and the activities of the Ostroh princes to the present day; the revival of the university and the people involved in this process. This historical journey serves as a powerful reminder of our roots and a source of inspiration for our future endeavors.
"The most important thing that the alumnus of the 16th century Ostroh Academy did was to become leaders of the Rusyn people and unite them, creating the foundation of modern Ukraine. In large towns, they organised educational centres that provided an opportunity to get an education. The first reading book, the alphabet, and the Bible (the greatest intellectual and spiritual masterpiece our nation has ever received) were created at Ostroh Academy. Nowadays, Ukraine needs leaders who can unite the people based on service to the Motherland; that is why the mission of the revived Ostroh Academy is to form intellectuals, patriots, and loyalists of their country,"
Eduard Mykhailovych highlighted the dynamic activities of the modern Ostroh Academy, which seamlessly blends centuries-old higher education traditions with innovative approaches to learning and teaching. The rector's presentation of the university's educational programmes, peculiarities of training, and laboratory work, including the recently created robotics laboratory, international cooperation, etc., instills a sense of optimism about the future of education and the pivotal role of the academy in shaping it.
"Ostroh Academy is not just a university; it is a space where the history of our time comes to life. Every student who enters our university has the opportunity to realise their ambitions and dreams. Ostroh Academy is a choice for those who strive to reach the top in education, career and life. I sincerely thank each of you for your tough, challenging daily work. Thanks to the Armed Forces of Ukraine, our students can acquire quality knowledge and prepare for important future challenges, including the defence of our country and the protection of national interests."
During the meeting, OA passed over two FPV drones to Ukrainian defenders.
After that, the servicemen met with the Head of the Department of National Security and Political Science, Doctor of Science (Law), Full professor Mykola Romanov and Cand. Sc. (History), Associate Professor Oleh Sanzharevskyi. The speakers emphasised the official periodisation of the Russia-Ukraine War, national security, and countering propaganda.
A meeting was also held with representatives of the Western Regional Center of the Coordination Headquarters for the Treatment of Prisoners of War. During the lecture, participants discussed the headquarters' activities, its membership, the specifics of working with the families of war prisoners and missing persons, the results of the work as of October 2024, etc.
At the end of the meeting, Oksana Matlasevych, Head of the Department of Psychology, Doctor of Science (Psychology), Full Professor, conducted psychological training for the military.
"We are deeply appreciative of the lecturers of Ostroh Academy for their efforts in organising the events within the framework of the meeting of the civil-military cooperation specialists of the OC West. Their focus on implementing the conception of social support for military families in the system of civil-military cooperation, and their clear explanations of the problematic issues that arise in the civilian environment, reassures us of the value and care we place on our military families.",
The event coordinator from Ostroh Academy, Candidate of Sciences (Economics), Associate Professor Yuliia Kharchuk summarised the event:
"The foundation for the partnership between Ostroh Academy and OC West is a common vision of our country's development, national and patriotic education of modern youth, formation of knowledgeable, competitive, spiritual and patriotic graduates, responsible innovators who will create a bright future for independent Ukraine. We support servicemen and their families in obtaining high-quality higher education in full-time and part-time (distance) study modes and hold joint patriotic and intellectual events. We are strongly confident that Ostroh Academy has a unique ability to choose its special people to ensure mutual development and improvement."
