On December 5, 2024, the EdUP project held its Steering Committee meeting. Attendees included representatives from the Ministry of Education and Science of Ukraine, the Embassy of Switzerland, private businesses, educational institutions, and the project team. The meeting was chaired by Nataliya Yuklyaevska, Head of the Steering Committee and Director of the “Regional Center for Professional Education in Innovative Construction and Industry Technologies” in Kharkiv.
Project Achievements Overview
During the meeting, participants reviewed the project’s progress in 2024. Dmytro Zavhorodnii, Deputy Minister of Education and Science of Ukraine, highlighted significant advancements in improving vocational education infrastructure.
“Our goal is to create a safe environment for every student to receive quality education, and the EdUP project plays a crucial role in this effort, particularly through the modernization of shelters and the development of training centers.”
Viktor Shutkevych, Deputy Director of Cooperation at the Embassy of Switzerland in Ukraine, emphasized EdUP’s uniqueness:
“This is the only project co-financed by the Swiss government, the Ukrainian government, and the private sector. Through the collaboration of businesses, the state, and educational institutions, we are achieving outstanding results. For instance, 60% of graduates from institutions working with EdUP are already employed.”
Key Decisions
One of the critical items on the agenda was amending theSteering Committee‘s statute. Participants approved the inclusion of a business representative from the project’s Advisory Business Council into the Steering Committee.
Serhiy Arkhypov, the Director of Vocational School No. 21 in Mykolaiv, was elected Chair of the Steering Committe for the next reporting period.
Yuliya Yepifanova, Deputy Project Manager, presented a report on achievements in four key areas of EdUP: expanding educational offerings, introducing new teaching methods, engaging the private sector, and organizational development of vocational institutions.
Poshan KC, Head of Swisscontact Ukraine, highlighted progress in the infrustructure component: support for 10 vocational schools in eastern and southern Ukraine.
Plans for 2025
Key priorities for the coming year include the renovation of shelters and thermal modernization of educational buildings, expanding short-term adult education courses, launching new qualification centers, and intensifying collaboration with the business sector. Plans also include introducing innovative teaching materials and further developing institutional infrastructure.
“EdUP is a project that builds the future of vocational education in Ukraine. Together, we will ensure sustainable development and the competitiveness of our education system.”
The EdUP Steering Committee meeting underscored the effectiveness of collaboration among the government, businesses, and educational institutions. Participants expressed confidence that 2025 would be even more productive, opening new opportunities for the advancement of vocational education in Ukraine.
