The new academic year has just started, but we already have a new student organisation to tell you about! Students’ Community for Ukraine is an organisation founded by Ukrainian students of Charles University to support, unite and organise events for other young Ukrainians in the Czech Republic. But if you think that it would not be interesting for you if you are not from Ukraine, you are mistaken!

Disclaimer: The Karlovian was in no way rewarded for publishing this article. We are always happy to inform you about something new happening in the students’ community. So, if you have a club you want others to know about, reach out to us!

The aim of SCFU

What do the organisations’ members have to say about the reasons they decided to create it? We asked the head of SCFU Valentyn Shkriba. Here it is explained in his own words:

On the one hand, our goal is to help Ukrainian students feel at home, even when they are far from it or when their homes have been destroyed. We deeply understand the challenges of studying and living abroad, as many of us have faced these struggles ourselves, often under circumstances beyond our control. That’s why we offer a range of support—from educational programs to social events—to help students find new friends and adapt to a new, sometimes unfamiliar and challenging environment.

On the other hand, we are disheartened by the stereotypes that still exist about Ukrainians abroad. We believe in the power of education and human connection to break down these prejudices. Our mission is to cast a light of truth on Ukraine and its people, showcasing and destigmatizing them, and fighting stereotypes and prejudices connected to them.

Activities

SCFU focuses at:

• Integration assistance: supporting Ukrainian students in adapting to life and study in the Czech Republic.
• Cultural exchange: to promote mutual understanding and cultural exchange between Czech, international and Ukrainian students.
• Educational support: provision of informational and educational support to students from Ukraine.
• Social interaction: creating a friendly community to share experiences and
  knowledge.
• Cooperation and development: organize joint activities to develop cooperation and communication skills.

Not only Ukrainians)

If you are not from Ukraine, SCFU will still host a lot of interesting events for you to participate in. Since its aim is raising awareness about Ukraine, you can definitely expect engaging activities, workshops on the history of the region and culture, and debunking r*ssian propaganda. If you have long been interested in Ukraine, then SCFU is definitely worth checking out!

Recent events

On the 5th of October, the Students’ Community held its first Meet&Greet event in the Brix Bar, attended by multiple young Ukrainians.

The event was opened with a speech from the Head of the Students’ Community for Ukraine, Valentyn, followed by the presentations of the representatives of the invited organisations:

The event was concluded with a quiz checking participants’ knowledge of Czech and Ukrainian culture & politics.

We hope that we managed to get you interested in this new addition to the student community of Czechia. And if that is so, definitely check out their Instagram page!)

P.S.: your humble servant also attended the event (in the middle)