Kent is proud to be part of Universities UK’s #TwinForHope campaign, which showcases how twinning partnerships between UK and Ukrainian universities are making a positive difference at this time.
The UUK campaign, which launched on 8 September, also demonstrates the power of education to unite, share hope and change people’s lives.
Kent and Kherson State University (KSU) in southern Ukraine signed a twinning agreement on 28 June. KSU is in territory currently under Russian control and the university has had to close its campus and relocate to the West of the country as a result of the continuing occupation. As part of this agreement, Kent is delivering a range of online resources and technical equipment that will provide vital support in the short term, so that KSU students can continue their studies, and researchers can carry on with their research. In the longer term, this collaboration will help KSU to rebuild their campus and play an important role in the rebuilding of Ukraine.
Immediately after the signing, Professor Karen Cox, Kent’s Vice-Chancellor and President, said: ‘We feel both humbled and privileged to be able to help our colleagues at Kherson State University in their extraordinary efforts to maintain their support for their students and staff. Along with a number of practical measures, we also bring the solidarity and support of all our students and staff and an ongoing and heartfelt commitment. Although born in war, we hope very much that this is a partnership that will very soon be able to flourish in peace.’
Vivienne Stern MBE, Chief Executive, Universities UK, said: ‘I’m really proud of the way that the UK university sector has stepped up to play its part in the global response to enabling Ukrainian universities to get through this war and hopefully emerge stronger.’
More than 75 mutually beneficial twinning partnerships have already been formed between UK and Ukrainian universities. Colleagues from both the twin universities stay in regular contact via online meetings to build relationships, make plans for sustaining Ukrainian education during the war, and create relationships that will make a real difference.