The successful launch of the Erasmus+ BURN project (101129379-BURN-ERASMUS-EDU-2023-CBHE) marks the beginning of an important initiative. The event took place at the University of Tartu, Estonia, from February 12 to 14, 2024.
#Erasmus+ session started with welcoming words from Oleksandra Holovko (University of Tartu), Iryna Zadorozhna (Ternopil National Pedagogical University), and Svitlana Shytikova (Project Coordinator at the Erasmus+ National Office and expert in higher education reforms in Ukraine). They expressed gratitude and shared expectations for fruitful cooperation among the project’s participating institutions.
Project participants had the opportunity to introduce their universities, including Ternopil National Pedagogical University, Kryvyi Rih State Pedagogical University, Melitopol State Pedagogical University named after B. Khmelnytsky, Kherson State University, Donetsk State Pedagogical University, International Psychoanalytic University (Berlin), University of Latvia, and University of Tartu.
Olha Bilozir from Kryvyi Rih State Pedagogical University presented her university, the project team, and the institution’s experience in implementing similar initiatives, emphasizing the importance of collaboration. The diversity of knowledge and expertise created a solid foundation for the project’s successful development.
One of the key moments of the day was the tour of the prestigious University of Tartu Library, which allowed participants to familiarize themselves with the academic and cultural heritage of the institution. This event also provided an excellent opportunity for informal meetings and strengthened participant networking.
Project Coordinator Iryna Zadorozhna provided an overview of the project, its key ideas, expected results, and the importance of collective efforts. The team discussed the project’s implementation plan, laying the groundwork for effective coordination and smooth execution.
Work Package 2, “Professionalization of Crisis Psychology in Universities,” was presented by the University of Latvia. Participants discussed the tasks, objectives, and strategy for implementing this important aspect of the project.
Work Package 3, “Improving University Psychological Services,” was led by the University of Tartu. The discussions focused on improving university psychological support services, including the objectives, goals, and strategic plan for successful implementation.
The International Psychoanalytic University (Berlin) took the lead on Work Package 4, “Centers of Psychological Resilience and Well-Being,” which focused on creating centres to support psychological resilience and well-being. Participants engaged in in-depth discussions on tasks, goals, and strategies for implementing this crucial component of the project.
Work Package 5, led by Kryvyi Rih State Pedagogical University, was dedicated to dissemination. The discussions centred around the tasks, goals, and development of a comprehensive Dissemination Plan to effectively spread the project’s results.
Donetsk State Pedagogical University, responsible for Work Package 6, focused on quality. The discussions included developing a Quality Plan to ensure high standards for the project’s outcomes.
After the tour of the University of Tartu and its picturesque campus, participants continued their discussions in a more informal setting, fostering mutual understanding and collaboration.
The next session focused on key project aspects, including legal agreements, administrative procedures, financial matters, and the review of project documents and templates. These discussions set the foundation for smooth and effective collaboration among the partner institutions.
Project planning continued, focusing on three key elements: collective efforts, internal communication strategies, and setting dates and deadlines for the next year. Collective brainstorming and planning ensured a clear path for the project’s progress in 2024.
The day concluded with a special recognition moment, where project certificates were distributed, and participants said their farewells with hugs and kisses. The collective spirit and dedication demonstrated during the opening meeting set a positive tone for the future of the BURN project, promising transformative outcomes in the field of crisis psychology and psychological services at European universities.
More information about the project https://burn.kdpu.edu.ua/.