On October 10, 2024, as the world observed Mental Health Awareness Day, an extraordinary lecture unfolded at Cherkasy State Technological University in Ukraine. Dr. Oleksandr (Sasha) Kondrashov, speaking from Kamloops, Canada, delivered a powerful presentation on “Teaching Social Policy and Social Welfare in Canada” via Zoom. The lecture, which began at 8:30 a.m. Kyiv time and concluded near midnight in Kamloops, left an indelible mark on both the speaker and his audience.
Dr. Kondrashov began by expressing his heartfelt gratitude to Dr. Arkhypova for the invitation and their ongoing collaboration. He also thanked everyone who registered and attended this special class, acknowledging the extraordinary circumstances under which many were participating.
The lecture focused on the concept of Social GRACES, exploring systems of oppression through “the Baroness” case study. Dr. Kondrashov delved into the development of the welfare state in Canada, drawing parallels to the critical role of social work in Ukraine’s current context of defending against Russian aggression and planning for future rebuilding efforts.
What made this lecture truly remarkable was the audience. Many of the students attending were not in typical classroom settings but were instead participating from the frontlines of Ukraine’s defense. Some shared their experiences and insights directly from trenches, bringing a stark reality to the academic discussion. This unique situation highlighted the extraordinary determination of these students to continue their education even in the face of war.
One student’s story particularly stood out. Having lost their father in the defense of Ukraine, this student expressed a desire to honor his sacrifice by creating a community hub for veterans. This poignant moment underscored the deep personal connections between the lecture’s content and the lived experiences of the students.
Dr. Kondrashov found himself deeply moved and inspired by the students’ resilience and vision. He was particularly impressed by those planning to rebuild local rural communities and support first responders and military personnel. The lecture emphasized the importance of upholding social work values, especially in respecting the dignity and worth of each person in these challenging circumstances.
As the session concluded, a photograph was taken to commemorate this unique gathering. While not all participants could have their cameras on, partly due to safety reasons, the image captured the essence of this remarkable event. Dr. Kondrashov announced his intention to share the photo on social media, underlining the importance of ongoing collaboration and the power of education.
The lecture was not just an academic exercise but a powerful exchange of ideas and experiences. It brought to light the unique intersection of academic learning and real-world application in a war-torn country. Students studying social work while actively defending their homeland exemplified an unparalleled commitment to both their nation and their chosen field.
Dr. Kondrashov concluded with a message of hope: that with adequate global support, the people of Ukraine will stop the Russian aggression, allowing students to return to learning in classrooms rather than trenches. He emphasized the enduring power of education and the students’ desire to learn, even in the most challenging circumstances.
This lecture stood as a testament to the human spirit, the power of education, and the crucial role of social work in times of war. It served as a powerful reminder of the resilience of the Ukrainian people and the transformative potential of education, even in the face of adversity. As Dr. Kondrashov and the attendees look forward to future collaborations, they carry with them the shared experience of this extraordinary session – a hope and determination in challenging times.
Leave a Reply