Viktor Yushchenko visited International European University on the eve of the 30th anniversary of Ukraine’s Independence. Students and lecturers had a unique opportunity to talk to the living legend, dip into history and get answers to relevant questions.
Alla Navolokina, a co-founder and vice-rector for educational and scientific work and international relations, introduced the honored guest to the university team, as well as to Franz-Volodymyr von Habsburg-Lothringen, President of International European University, Anatolii Tolstoukhov, the head of the University Development Council, and Mykhailo Polianchych, a member of the University Development Council.
Alla Navolokina stressed that the meeting with Mr. Yushchenko brought together the audience motivated to knowledge required for further professional activities. She also introduced the teaching staff, student population and partners of the university.
As part of his speech, Viktor Yushchenko shared memories of his life journey, stages of professional growth, scientific achievements and plans.
“Education is a key to Ukraine’s prosperity: those who win education win the future,” Mr. Yushchenko said.
The third President of Ukraine told the teaching staff and the young generation about challenges faced by Ukraine at the current development stage.
“Nowadays, your University is a new powerful complex. I believe that great traditions will be continued by a new generation whom I’m addressing today. You’re teaching true citizens of Ukraine,” Viktor Yushchenko stated.
To express acknowledgement, respect and recognition, Alla Navolokina presented author’s painting to the Ex-President. Viktor Yushchenko highly appreciates art. He confessed to taking paints, brushes, canvas and drawing.
“A talented person is all-around talented… These words are referred to an incredible individual and wonderful vice-rector of International European University,” Viktor Yushchenko mentioned.
At the end of the meeting, the honored guest congratulated International European University on the 30th anniversary of Ukraine’s Independence and wished prosperity and talented graduates to become worthy representatives of the Ukrainian nation. By the way, International European University can boast solid international relations encouraging the implementation of major projects.
Impressed with a university atmosphere and warm welcome, the third President of Ukraine left unique feedback and author’s drawing in the IEU’s comments book.
ALLA NAVOLOKINA, FRANZ_VLADIMIR_FON_GABSBURG_LOTHRINGEN, IEU
The situation of reservoir pollution is critical in Ukraine!
The Dnieper River is annually contaminated with tons of garbage and emissions from different enterprises. Most people know about this problem but keep throwing away garbage and polluting our wonderful river.
There are a lot of beach areas near the river and waste affects our health. Together we can not only clean the riverfront but also get out trash of the river on canoes in the sports rhythm.
Our journalists talked to the organizers of the action, SD Platform non-governmental organization, and discovered all the details.
“Sometimes we see our Dnieper river through rose-colored spectacles. But putting them off, we can notice how much dirt, plastics and strange things are in the river. We have gathered activists who care about its destiny. We made the Dnieper cleaner on our own,” Kateryna Davydkova, a coordinator of the environmental sector at SD Platform, said.
Plastics, bottles, toys and even stolen stuff are just a brief list of the “treasure” found by activists in the Dnieper. This garbage was left by common vacationers who don’t want to keep the Dnieper clean.
“We found a bag with car and apartment keys, a purse, personal documents and bank cards. Without losing any time, we found the owner of lost things via Facebook and returned them the next day. The things have been in the water for more than a year. Thus, the environmental action is referred not just to reservoir rescue, but also to good deeds like in this case,” Said Mechkour, a foreign student of International European University, added.
Be eco-friendly conscious! If you like resting near the Dnieper, throw away your trash in a garbage can so that other activists won’t find your “treasure”.
Let’s make our river cleaner by small but progressive steps!
ALLA NAVOLOKINA, ECOLOGY, FRANZ_VLADIMIR_FON_GABSBURG_LOTHRINGEN, IEU
