EN
UK
On 2 December 2025, Hanna Shvindina, Executive Director of the NGO “Lifelong Learning Centre” (Sumy), took part in the national roundtable “The Role of Adult Education in Times of Crisis: Dialogue for a Better Future.” The event was held in a hybrid format in Kyiv and online via Zoom. It served as a professional platform for discussing current challenges, future prospects, and innovative solutions in the field of adult education, as well as the role of the media in promoting this topic.
In her presentation, Hanna Shvindina highlighted the activities and key achievements of the Lifelong Learning Centre, particularly its best practices in inclusion, integration, and partnership-based collaboration that provide systematic support for adult learners, including vulnerable groups. Among the initiatives presented were large-scale projects on the reintegration of veterans and female veterans through educational opportunities, psychological and legal support programmes, professional courses, art therapy, physical rehabilitation, communication and integration courses.
Special attention was given to the Centre’s holistic approach, which integrates educational, psychological, and community support, as well as its broad partnership network that includes local authorities, international organisations, universities, and civil society actors.
The presentation also highlighted the key achievements of 2024, including: the recognition of Sumy as the Adult Education Capital of Ukraine by the Ukrainian Association for Adult Education; Sumy’s accession to the UNESCO Global Network of Learning Cities; the presentation of Sumy’s Lifelong Learning Transition Plan at an international forum in Jubail, Saudi Arabia.
Participants of the roundtable noted the practical value of the experience shared, demonstrating how adult education can serve as a tool for resilience, development, and community support during times of war and social challenges.
The event was organised by the Ukrainian Association for Adult Education.
