The Institute for Veterans at Kyiv National University of Construction and Architecture hosted Ukraine’s first Open Discussion Day with veterans and their families, dedicated to education, retraining, social adaptation, mental rehabilitation, and employment for veterans.
The event took place at the KNUCA Culture and Leisure Center in Kyiv as part of an Open House for veterans and their families and brought together veterans, their family members, representatives of the university community, medical professionals, socially responsible businesses, and partner organizations.
“Education and the learning process itself are not just about a diploma. They are an important element of veterans’ social adaptation and mental rehabilitation. The university is a large, new-type ecosystem where a veteran can rediscover themselves, feel the support of the community, acquire new skills, and ultimately find employment and return to an active life,” noted Artem Goncharenko, head of the KNUCA Veterans Institute.
The event was attended by representatives of Kyiv National University of Construction and Architecture, the National University of Physical Education and Sports of Ukraine, the Igor Sikorsky Kyiv Polytechnic Institute, the National University of Life and Environmental Sciences of Ukraine, and other higher education institutions in the capital and regions.
The event was co-organized by the Kyiv City Employment Service, which, according to the organizers, underscores a systematic approach to supporting veterans—from education, psychological, and medical support to professional retraining and subsequent employment.
One of the practical components of the Open Discussion Day was a training session on first aid titled “Don’t Panic. Act Correctly,” led by neurologist and epileptologist Denys Boichuk. Participants discussed how to act before, during, and after an epileptic seizure, what common mistakes can harm a person, and why certain widespread “tips from the internet”—in particular, the myth about “putting a spoon in the mouth”—have no medical basis and can be dangerous.
A separate segment of the training was dedicated to medical checkups for veterans and their families, developing the habit of getting regular health screenings, managing the effects of stress and trauma, and supporting loved ones consistently rather than sporadically.
During the event, a prize drawing was also held, and gifts were presented to participants. The event’s partners were Poparada.ua, Axor Industry, and CosmoMultimall. The organizers note that business participation in such initiatives demonstrates the potential for practical and meaningful collaboration between companies and veterans’ organizations.
According to the organizers, the Open Discussion Day held at the KNUBA Veterans Institute marked the first step toward establishing a permanent ecosystem to support veterans and their families through education, practical knowledge, professional retraining, and cross-sectoral cooperation.
The Veterans Cluster of Ukraine and the KNUBA “Architecture of Resilience” Veterans Institute have already begun accepting applications for educational programs for veterans, defenders, and their children. Participants are offered opportunities to study in over 50 fields and more than 100 educational programs, including retraining, courses, second higher education, master’s and doctoral programs, psychological support and rehabilitation, participation in projects for Ukraine’s recovery, and partnership programs with employers.
Study formats include full-time, part-time, online, and distance learning. The program works with communities across Ukraine and provides personalized support from admission through to employment.
Program details are available on the website: www.Veterano.info.
Contacts for additional information: +38 073 94 96 179, +38 050 22 35 182, +38 067 49 81 098, center@uvc.in.net, veterano@knuba.edu.ua. Head of the KNUBA Veterans Institute Artem Goncharenko: +38 073 177 72 73.
Tuition-free education refers to participation in state compensation programs, grants, scholarships, and support from employers. Admission takes place during the standard admission campaign within the standard timeframe.
