On June 23, 2026, the third stream of the microcredit training program for internally displaced persons “Business and Technology: A New Start” was solemnly completed at South Ukrainian National Pedagogical University named after K. D. Ushynsky.

The program is implemented within the framework of the international project TURBO Erasmus KA2 101129315 — TURBO — ERASMUS — ED — 2023 — CBHE “University Response to Major Obstacles: Creating Sustainable Higher Education for Responding to and Managing Social Crises”.

The educational process lasted throughout the spring semester — from March 5 to June 15, 2026 — and became an important stage in the professional growth, personal development, and entrepreneurial formation of its participants. During the training, the students mastered modern approaches to developing business ideas, planning entrepreneurial activities, using digital technologies, forming a communication strategy, and presenting their own projects.

The festive event was opened by the Vice-Rector for Research of Ushynsky University, Doctor of Political Sciences, Professor Hanna Muzychenko. She emphasized the importance of supporting internally displaced persons, developing entrepreneurial initiatives, and the role of the university as a space of opportunities where education is combined with practice, innovation, and social responsibility. She highly appreciated the level of training of the students and thanked the teachers for their dedication and inspired work, emphasizing that the university’s participation in international projects opens up new opportunities for the development of sustainable education, supporting citizens in crisis conditions, and implementing innovative educational practices.

The project manager, director of the South Ukrainian Center for Professional Development of Managers and Specialists in the Socioeconomic Sphere, Doctor of Pedagogical Sciences, Professor Nataliya Chernenko, congratulated and invited the graduates to future cooperation. In her address, she congratulated the graduates on completing their studies, noted their perseverance, activity, and desire for professional self-development, and wished them success in implementing their own business ideas.

The coordinator of the Center for International Projects and Programs of Ushynsky University, Candidate of Pedagogical Sciences, Associate Professor Volodymyr Chernykh also delivered a welcoming speech. He focused on the importance of international cooperation, exchange of experience, and the practical orientation of educational programs implemented within the framework of the TURBO project.

Special attention during the event was paid to the results of the participants' work on their own business plans. The scientific supervisor of business plans, Olha Poluyaktova, who accompanied the students in the process of forming, finalizing, and presenting their entrepreneurial ideas, spoke with words of support and professional guidance. She noted the creativity, responsibility, and practical orientation of the prepared business projects, and also emphasized that each presented idea has the potential for further development and real implementation.

During the training, the participants not only gained new knowledge, but also prepared their own business plans, presented ideas, discussed them with teachers and mentors, and received recommendations for improving the projects. Among the initiatives presented were educational, social, psychological, service and entrepreneurial areas focused on the real needs of people and communities.

After the ceremonial speeches, certificates were awarded to graduates of the microcredit program, which confirmed the successful completion of their studies and the acquisition of new knowledge, skills and competencies. For many students, this program became not only an educational course, but also an opportunity to believe in their own strengths, rethink their professional path and take the first step towards realizing their own business.

In the final part of the event, sincere feedback was heard from graduates who shared their stories, impressions of their studies, experience of teamwork and plans for the future. Participants noted the practical benefits of the program, the support of teachers and mentors, as well as the friendly atmosphere that promoted open communication, mutual assistance and inspiration.

The celebration ended in a warm, friendly atmosphere during the traditional coffee meeting, which became a great opportunity for informal communication, gratitude, exchange of ideas and discussion of further professional initiatives.

The completion of the third stream of the microcredit program “Business and Technology: A New Start” once again confirmed: education is not only knowledge, but also a force that unites, supports, inspires and helps people find new opportunities even in difficult life circumstances.

Together we shape the future!