The academic staff of the Faculty of Pedagogy – Olena Budnyk, Professor of the Department of Primary Education, Director of the Center for Innovative Educational Technologies “PNU EcoSystem”, and Kateryna Fomin, Associate Professor of the same Department, stayed in Italy from June 14th to June 21st, visiting a few Universities in Rome to initiate scientific and educational cooperation.
The visit commenced with an official meeting with Professor Vincenzo Buonomo, the Rector of Pontificia Universita Lateranense, which served as a platform to present our university’s mission, accomplishments, and commitment to
upholding European educational standards as a prestigious state institution. Moreover, we shared insights into our development strategy and the valuable experience garnered from operating under the conditions of martial law. A preliminary agreement was reached regarding the potential signing of cooperation agreements between the
universities. These agreements would encompass various areas of collaboration, such as academic mobility and joint scientific projects, with a focus on education for global peace, intercultural dialogue, children’s rights in times of conflict, and related topics.
Professor Vincenzo Buonomo emphasized the pivotal role played by the academic community in fostering the development of competent professionals. Additionally, he underscored the significance of creating interdisciplinary and transdisciplinary programs within the social sciences and humanities, recognizing the need for a holistic approach to education.
Another aspect of the collaboration involves student academic mobility, which offers extensive prospects for Ukrainian higher education students and graduates to pursue studies at the esteemed Rondine Cittadella della Pace International School.
Situated in a picturesque medieval Tuscan village in Italy, this institution unites young individuals from diverse nations to cultivate their professional skills and contribute to global peacebuilding efforts by addressing armed conflicts worldwide.
Founded 25 years ago under the auspices of the Pontifical Lateran University, the student community at Rondine Cittadella della Pace has been a significant component of the World Peace House project. Each year, it welcomes students from over 30 countries across various continents. In line with the recommendation of Rector Vincenzo Buonomo, Professor Olena Budnyk and Associate Professor Kateryna Fomin had the opportunity to visit this international youth center and explore the academic and cultural mobility provisions available for students and graduates of Precarpathian University.
During the meeting with Rev. Prof. Luis Navarro, the Rector of Pontificia Università della Santa Croce and the head of the Association of Pontifical Universities and Institutions (CRUIPRO), discussions were held regarding the engagement of young scientists and educators in joint research endeavors. The rector displayed a remarkable level of openness and genuine support for cooperation, particularly in assisting Ukrainian educators during times of war. As part of the innovative initiatives undertaken by Precarpathian University, Professor Olena Budnyk proposed the concept of an academic exchange program for students and doctoral candidates at the International Center for Meetings of Student Youth of Ukraine and Poland in Mykulychyn, located in the picturesque Ukrainian Carpathians.
This proposal, contingent upon the country’s safety, aims to foster cross-cultural collaboration and knowledge sharing between the two nations. At a roundtable discussion held with professors from the Pontifical Faculty of Educational Sciences Auxilium in Rome, the participants engaged in a comprehensive dialogue concerning the prevailing challenges and the state of Ukrainian education amidst martial law. Furthermore, they shared their invaluable experiences in working with students who have endured the traumatic impact of war.
The University’s Rector, S. Prof. Piera Ruffinato, highlighted the diverse training opportunities available in the field of education during the presentation. Specifically, areas such as philosophy, sociology, psychology, theory and history of pedagogy, communication theory, anthropology, and more were emphasized.
Several collaboration opportunities with Precarpathian University were identified, encompassing joint webinars, collaborative research publications, and the review of pedagogical articles in professional university publications. These initiatives aim to foster academic exchange and contribute to the advancement of pedagogical knowledge and practices. During the event, the participants shared their individual insights on strategies to overcome crisis situations, foster intercultural and interreligious dialogue, and promote the spiritual growth of young professionals in the face of warfare in various countries across Africa, Asia, and South America. Moreover, they underscored the importance of conducting comparative research within the historical and pedagogical realms to gain a deeper understanding of these contexts.
During this visit, Olena Budnyk and Kateryna Fomin, members of the Faculty of Education, had the opportunity to explore Italy’s rich historical and cultural heritage.
They visited iconic landmarks such as St. Peter’s Square, ancient architectural marvels, Roman fountains, palaces, museums, and bridges in Rome. Additionally, they had the chance to venture to the ancient town of Assisi, renowned as the birthplace of the Roman poet Propertius and the revered birthplace of St. Francis.
With the belief that “All roads lead to Rome!”, we are optimistic about the prospect of maintaining and furthering our fruitful collaboration in the realms of science and education on an international scale.