The EdUP Project Steering Committee convened in Odesa for its latest meeting. The session took place in a shelter that the Project has transformed into a modern learning space. It was the third field meeting of the EdUP Steering Committee, following previous meetings in the frontline cities of Zaporizhzhia and Kharkiv.
The Project team presented the results achieved during January–June 2026.
“We decided to present the Project’s achievements during this reporting period not by individual components, but through their contribution to strengthening the vocational education ecosystem. We focus on the quality of education, educational leadership, modern learning infrastructure, stronger business engagement, graduate employment, and systemic reform. It is through the interaction of these elements that we see sustainable development of vocational education in Ukraine,” said Yuliia Yepifanova, EdUP Project Manager.
The Steering Committee unanimously approved the Project’s progress report for the reporting period. Members also discussed and endorsed EdUP’s work plan for the next six months and elected a representative of vocational education institutions to the Project Steering Committee. Valentyna Chovnova, Director of the Poltava Higher Interregional Vocational School, was elected to the role. According to Iryna Shumik, Director General of the Directorate of Vocational Education at the Ministry of Education and Science of Ukraine, the Project is now ready to scale up.
“EdUP has reached the stage where its successful models can be scaled up and replicated across vocational education institutions throughout Ukraine. The Project has engaged virtually every department, teacher, and staff member in the partner vocational education institutions, creating systemic and long-lasting change.”
Prior to the Steering Committee meeting, participants gathered for the roundtable discussion “Vocational Education and Regional Business: Challenges, Needs, and Solutions.” The event brought together representatives of government authorities, businesses, vocational education institutions, and international partners to discuss ways to strengthen public-private partnership in vocational education.
“For Swisscontact, EdUP is a truly special project. During the roundtable with business representatives, we heard firsthand how acute the shortage of skilled workers has become for the private sector. Ukraine’s recovery will require even more qualified professionals, which is why now is the time to invest in vocational education. This is a long-term investment, as systemic change in this field cannot be achieved in the short term.”
Jean-Luc Bernasconi, Head of the Cooperation Programme at the Embassy of Switzerland in Ukraine, highlighted the unique partnership model on which EdUP is built.
“EdUP is Switzerland’s flagship project in vocational education in Ukraine. Its uniqueness lies in bringing together government, business, and vocational education institutions. This close cooperation enables the modernisation of curricula, the strengthening of practical training, and the preparation of the skilled professionals needed by the labour market. At the same time, creating safe learning spaces enables students and teachers to continue learning and teaching offline even under wartime conditions.”
