Donetsk State University of Management (DSUM), located in the city of Mariupol, has become the first Ukrainian University to join the PASCAL Learning Cities Networks (LCN).

Following a visit by a University delegation to Glasgow in 2018 and on return to Ukraine the delegation, led by the Rector of the University, Professor Dr Svitlana Marova, set about energising people to engage in new ways of learning and the university is now preparing to join the PASCAL network of learning cities. The University has also opened discussion within the university and in collaboration with the City Council and is now exploring ways in which the city can continue to develop a learning city.

As a first step, a PASCAL representative was invited to visit the university and speak about the work of the PASCAL Observatory and the potential benefits which a learning city approach which focusses on the economic and cultural development of the city could bring.

Image: Rob Mark with Ievgeniia Dragomirova and Elena Tanchyk  [Click to enlarge]

One of the first initiatives was to establish a Centre for Third Age Learning which provides programmes for older people in English Language, Computer Studies as well as programmes in art and culture which promote inter-generational learning. The centre is managed by university staff, students and retired professionals on a voluntary basis. 

Many of the people who work and study at this university are displaced people who have moved from the City of Donetsk to the nearby  City of Mariupol which provides a safer haven for those whose lives have been affected by the conflict in this region,  close to the border with Russia. 

Through projects such as the Centre for Third Age Learning, the University and City of Mariupol are providing a host of new learning opportunities, at the same time developing new skills and expertise in areas such as counselling and placement of students and in reaching out to those whose lives are affected by ongoing conflict and dealing with  the stresses which this brings for students and their families.

The university is providing leadership through working in collaboration with many different local partners. It has become a beacon of light and hope for many who want to get involved in learning and is creating a healthy and entrepreneurial city at peace with itself and its citizens.