From Notes to National Consciousness: The Joint Mission
of Grinchenko University and the Ukrainian Women’s Battalion
When Serhiy Nazarenko enrolled at Borys Grinchenko Kyiv Metropolitan University, he was an ordinary student with ambitions and dreams for the future. No one, including himself, could have predicted that in a few years, he would be defending Ukraine in the ranks of the Armed Forces. Today, Serhiy is one of those graduates who embodies the result of the university’s systematic work in educating conscious, patriotic youth.
“I never thought that the knowledge gained at the university would become my shield on the front,” says Serhiy, who is now defending Ukraine.
At the beginning of his student journey, Serhiy, like many of his peers, did not immediately recognize the significance of patriotic education. But it was the university environment, enriched by cooperation with civic organizations, that became a space for his development as a conscious citizen.
“The time you spend at the university stays in your memory for life. Students are our future. And it is for you that we are fighting for the right to a free and independent Ukraine,” Serhiy addressed the students during a ceremonial meeting of the Academic Council, where he was present as a guest.
Such examples of conscious youth inspire civic organizations to cooperate with universities. The Ukrainian Women’s Battalion is one of the key organizations that actively participates in the formation of nationally conscious students together with Grinchenko University. The partnership between the university and civic organizations plays a crucial role in this process. Alyona Danilova, the founder of the Ukrainian Women’s Battalion, emphasizes the importance of such cooperation:
“Our cooperation with Grinchenko University is not just a formality. We see how students, while interning in our organization, not only acquire professional skills but also form a civic position. Volunteering for them becomes not just a line in their resume, but a way of life. We deliberately create opportunities for students to join real projects to help the army, as this forms an understanding of personal responsibility for the fate of the country. When a young person sees the concrete result of their work — aid delivered to the front, letters of gratitude from the military — it changes them forever.”
The university becomes a true space for forming values for the younger generation. Iryna Yevheniyivna Rusnak, Dean of the Faculty of Ukrainian Philology, Culture, and Arts, emphasizes a systematic approach to education:
“Wisdom, professionalism, intellect meet here with youth, beauty, and a desire to create something incredible. Our task is not just to give students knowledge, but to form them as conscious citizens. We want to express our respect to those who, despite their main duties, feel the need to be here, at the university, to share their professionalism, skills, knowledge, so that the youth would be reliably armed and could withstand all challenges. This youth is being tempered today in a time of terrible calamity. I really want it not to scorch this youth.”
Recognition of the joint efforts of all involved has become an important part of university life. During the ceremonial meeting of the University’s Academic Council, letters of appreciation were presented to scientific specialists, teachers, volunteers, and military personnel. Among those awarded was the volunteer organization Ukrainian Women’s Battalion, which has been cooperating with the university for several years in educational exchange, patriotic education, and assistance to the Armed Forces.
“We value the goodwill of those who do more for Ukraine than they even can… Each of us contributes to Ukraine’s victory,” remarked Ms. Rusnak during the ceremony.
The solemn presentation of appreciation became a powerful gesture of unity — between generations, professional communities, and civic initiatives. It testified that the university is not just an educational institution, but a space where ideas are born, youth is tempered, and values are formed. The university, like its partners, including the Ukrainian Women’s Battalion, continues to create an environment in which knowledge, culture, and volunteering merge into a single force on the path to victory and renewal of the state.
For reference: In three years of its activity, the Ukrainian Women’s Battalion has fulfilled thousands of requests from the military, providing them with everything necessary — from medicines and first aid supplies to complex technical equipment and drones. The organization has conducted dozens of information campaigns and external initiatives aimed at supporting the Armed Forces and raising public awareness about the needs of the front. The UWB not only helps the military but also actively forms a new generation of conscious Ukrainians by working with youth and educational institutions.
