Ukrainian Experience of Social Work in Times of War Presented at OST International Week 2026
From 12 to 15 October 2026, OST – Eastern Switzerland University of Applied Sciences (Ostschweizer Fachhochschule) hosted its International Week under the motto «Innovative Teaching for Future-Ready Minds». In Buchs, Rapperswil-Jona and St. Gallen, lectures were given by more than 20 invited scholars from 14 countries, representing leading universities around the world: from Cambridge and New York to Singapore and Tokyo.
Ukraine was represented by Kateryna Maksom, Head of the Department of Social Work at Chernihiv Polytechnic National University.
On 13 and 14 October in St. Gallen, she gave the lecture «Social Work in Ukraine: Experience in Times of War». In total, 36 students signed up. Attendance was voluntary and outside the study program. The topic attracted not only future social workers, but also students from other fields, as well as OST faculty members. This shows once again that the experience of Ukraine’s social sector today is relevant and important far beyond the professional community.
Social work rarely makes the headlines. Yet from the very first days of the full-scale invasion, it was social workers who stayed close to people. They worked from shelters, received internally displaced persons, searched for medicine and housing, and supported children who had lived through terrible experiences. Kateryna Maksom told Swiss students about these challenges and difficulties, as well as about small victories on the ground and the resilience of professionals and communities. Interactive exercises allowed participants to experience first-hand how important communication and coordination are in a crisis.
The audience received the lectures very warmly and thanked the speaker for valuable insights into work and life in times of war. The lectures were followed by informal conversations with students and colleagues. Among other things, it was agreed to jointly discuss the educational program of the Department of Social Work.
For Ukrainian educators today, the support of the international academic community means more than new partnerships. It is the feeling of a reliable shoulder to lean on, which helps them continue their work at home, in Ukraine.
We express our sincere gratitude to OST – Eastern Switzerland University of Applied Sciences for the ongoing cooperation, support, and the opportunity to take part in such an important event.
Photo: kurzschuss photography gmbh
