Forum: ‘The Path to Opportunities: Education, Business and the Development of Veterans’ Initiatives’
Today, West Ukrainian National University hosted a veterans’ forum entitled ‘The Path of Opportunities: Education, Business and the Development of Veterans’ Initiatives’. The event served as an important platform for dialogue between the state authorities, the business community, educators, veterans and their families.
The forum was attended by the following guests of honour: Taras Pastukh, Head of the Ternopil Regional Military Administration; Mykola Horodetskyi, Director of the Ternopil Regional Employment Centre; and Olha Lishchynska, Head of the Main Directorate of the State Tax Service in the Ternopil region.
In her address, the university rector, Oksana Desyatnyuk, expressed her heartfelt gratitude to the defenders: “Dear veterans, defenders, and family members of our heroes. It is perhaps impossible today to find all the words of gratitude we wish to express to you for your courage and valour. Your example inspires us to live and study in our own country. Thank you for every morning, for the opportunity to realise our plans, and simply for the fact that we can live in an independent, free Ukraine. The community of West Ukrainian National University deeply honours each and every one of our heroes. Since the start of the Russian aggression, we have opened an educational and research centre for the reskilling of military personnel and war veterans, an education and research centre for social and psychological support and resilience, as well as a support centre for students with special educational needs. We understand how difficult it is to adapt after returning from service, and we are ready to help you with this. We are ready to assist you with professional training, retraining, and simply through genuine human connection.”
An exhibition and sale of products made by veteran entrepreneurs was held during the forum. Participants and their families presented their own products: snacks, children’s goods, chocolate products, ready-to-cook meals, scented candles, bath bombs, freeze-dried foods and clothing. Each stand was a vivid testament to how people who have lived through war find the strength within themselves to build a new life and support others. Some have started businesses in floristry, others have found their calling in making furniture or embroidered shirts, while others are involved in fruit and vegetable processing and preserving, providing rehabilitation services, opening travel agencies, or expanding café chains...
Mykola Horodetskyi, Director of the Ternopil Regional Employment Centre, said: “This year, in collaboration with West Ukrainian National University, we are organising one of the largest forums of its kind. What makes it unique is its focus on real-life case studies. Today, we have our veterans here who have already successfully implemented their own business ideas thanks to grant programmes. This is the best proof that government initiatives really do work.” He reported that in the Ternopil region, nearly 130 veterans and members of their families have already taken advantage of opportunities to start their own businesses.
During the opening of the forum, Taras Pastukh, Head of the Ternopil Regional State Administration, presented grant certificates to family members of combatants and veteran entrepreneurs, noting: ‘In my view, running your own business is what helps people return to civilian life the fastest; it is the best form of rehabilitation. After all, when a person starts running their own business, they forget about their experiences, about the war. They start thinking about themselves, their family, and the people around them. Right now, it’s impossible not to think about the war. But nevertheless, it helps to emerge from the crisis caused by the war. Legislation is changing; the situation in the country dictates its own rules. However, there are many areas where Ukraine leads the world. These include innovation and cutting-edge technologies used on the battlefield. This includes our medical sector, which, unfortunately, has gained new practical experience through the war. It is important for us to engage in dialogue with veterans so that service personnel can confidently seek support when facing certain difficulties. Thank you to everyone involved in this forum. It is of the utmost importance for us to communicate in order to receive feedback from veterans.”
Olha Lishchynska, Head of the Main Directorate of the State Tax Service in the Ternopil region, emphasised the comprehensive support available for veteran entrepreneurship: “Dear veterans. Thank you for your resilience and for taking the time to visit us. This forum is not just about education or business. This forum is designed to help you feel the support provided by the state, educational institutions, and the tax service in particular, as you launch your own business. Last September, a tax consultancy office was opened, after which we began providing maximum support for veteran entrepreneurship. Having come this far, you have believed in yourselves and in the state, and you are building your future in our country. We will be a partner you can always turn to. I wish your business every success and prosperity.”