The acting Rector of Vasyl Stefanyk Precarpathian National University, Ihor Tsependa, leading the university delegation, participated in a meeting with the First Lady of Ukraine, Olena Zelenska, dedicated to the implementation of the All-Ukrainian Mental Health Program «How are you?».
The event brought together representatives from 30 leading Ukrainian universities working on integrating mental health programs into the student environment. There were rectors, vice- rectors, student government leaders as well as experts in the fields of psychology and social work.
The First Lady emphasized that education in times of war is not only a process of acquiring knowledge but also a powerful signal of resilience and faith in the future.
In the country living through war, education is a manifestation that the life continues. It’s a feeling that the future is possible and that there will be something more in it besides war”, Olena Zelenska noted. A survey conducted within the «How are you?» program revealed that every third teacher shows signs of hidden burnout, 52 % of students need psychological support. The participants emphasized the need to expand access to psychological services in educational institutions. Today 97% of Ukrainian universities have psychological services and many of them have mental health centers, youth spaces and specialized workshops.
Vasyl Stefanyk Precarpathian University is involved in the implementation of the “How are you?” program integrating mental health into student life. The university has a psychological service, organizes training sessions and support groups, conducts systematic work to raise awareness about the importance of psychological well-being.