Word. Action. Victory.
In a time when the country is fighting for its future and each day brings new challenges, the active engagement of youth becomes especially valuable. The spring internship of students from the Faculty of Ukrainian Philology, Culture, and Arts at Borys Grinchenko Kyiv Metropolitan University with the NGO Ukrainian Women’s Battalion was not just a phase in their academic journey — it was a transformational experience that reshaped how they see the world and themselves within it.
Over several weeks, the students participated in a range of communication and research assignments aimed not only at developing professional skills but also at deepening their understanding of the importance of volunteering and civic engagement. As one student reflected:
“The true value of this internship lies in gaining a conscious awareness of the significance of the work done by volunteers and organizations. Everyone should realize that even the smallest act of involvement can bring our country closer to victory.”
Beyond skill-building, the internship became a catalyst for personal growth. The students discovered that even small actions can make a meaningful impact:
“We wanted to show that even a small contribution matters and brings us closer to victory. Every hryvnia — even five or ten — can save the life of a defender. It’s disheartening to see people profiting from war or volunteer work, but the spirit of the nation holds strong. This internship inspires us not to remain indifferent, but to act. Because war is not the concern of one person — it’s the responsibility of an entire people.”
“It helped us realize the power of words — memes, slogans, messages — and how even simple, witty communication can serve an important mission: to motivate people to support our armed forces.”
Sofiia Valchyk, Executive Director of the Ukrainian Women’s Battalion and internship coordinator, also spoke highly of the students’ contributions:
“They impressed me with their creativity and initiative. These young women are driven, responsive to feedback, and quick to adapt. I also realized that each of them has their own story — many have military families — and they were genuinely motivated to learn more and be part of something bigger.”
According to the students, this internship opened up new pathways for collaboration between education, civil society, and the current needs of the country:
“In my view, the greatest value of this internship lies in building connections between students, the university, and the civic sector. For students, it’s a chance to learn more about the work of NGOs and gain experience in social engagement. For the university, it’s an opportunity to expand the educational space beyond the classroom and embrace real-world collaboration. And for UWB, it’s a way to connect with young people and better understand how the next generation views integrity and civic responsibility.”
Today, when every action counts, it is crucial not to stay on the sidelines. Helping isn’t always about large donations or grand initiatives: a few hryvnias toward a fundraiser, sharing an important post, or offering a word of support — it all matters.
Great things are born of small actions.