On September 29, 2025, a significant event took place at Kryvyi Rih State Pedagogical University — the official opening of the Center for Psychological Resilience and Well-being.
The Center was established within the framework of the international Erasmus+ KA2 project "BURN" ("Boosting University Psychological Resilience and Wellbeing in (Post-) War Ukrainian Nation").
This Center is designed to serve as a hub for psychological support for educators, students, members of local communities, and all those affected by the war in Ukraine.
The opening is timed to the 95th anniversary of the founding of the Kryvyi Rih State Pedagogical University, an educational institution that always remains true to the ideals of education and humanity, scientific progress, and international partnership.
The event was opened by Olga Bilozir, the Head of the Department of International Relations at KSPU and a member of the team implementing this important international project.
During the ceremony, the Rector of the University, Doctor and Professor Yaroslav Shramko, addressed the audience with a welcome speech.
Words of support and appreciation for the initiative were also expressed by Olena Borodavka, Chief Specialist of the Department of Education and Science in Kryvyi Rih.
The activities, objectives, and prospects of the Center were presented by the project author and manager, Head of the Center, and Associate Professor of the Department of Practical Psychology — Kateryna Bondar.
As part of the Center’s operations, a variety of activities are planned, including trainings, seminars, round tables, summer schools, and other events, with the active involvement of students from the Faculty of Psychology and Education.
Tamara Vasyluk, Dean of the Faculty of Psychology and Pedagogics, also addressed the audience, highlighting the importance of the practical training of students and the need for psychological support under current conditions.
Olena Charkina, the Head of the Department of Practical Psychology, shared her experience as one of the project’s key contributors and the person responsible for developing educational courses within the BURN initiative.
Participants had the opportunity to explore the modern equipment used in the Center’s work.
Additionally, the Center’s psychologist — Tetiana Shevchenko — introduced the audience to stabilization protocols that will be applied during counseling and training sessions.
The Center for Psychological Resilience and Well-being at KSPU opens new opportunities for supporting mental health in times of crisis and transformation.