On the Ukrinform platform in Kyiv, on March 12, 2026, a round table was held: “Volunteer Experience and Education: New Legislative Opportunities for Youth”, in which the Kyiv National University of Technologies and Design was represented by the acting head of the student government Iryna Zhyvodenko, Vice-Rector for scientific and international activities Liudmyla Hanushchak-Yefimenko, Professor of the Department of Tourism and Hotel and Restaurant Business Olena Khainska.

At the invitation of the partner organizers: Volodymyr Dahl East Ukrainian National University, the Golda Meir Institute for Civil Society Development, the Representative Office of the Foundation named after Friedrich Ebert, representatives of the Kyiv National University of Technologies and Design had the opportunity to join the professional discussion of the implementation of the Law of Ukraine No. 4186-IX on the development of volunteering among education seekers as a tool for increasing the social responsibility of youth, adapting national legislation to the standards of the European Union in the field of recognition of the results of non-formal education and volunteering, as well as developing practical recommendations for educational institutions and the relevant Ministry of Education and Science of Ukraine on the effective implementation of new legal norms.

Based on the results of partnership initiatives: the changes introduced by Law No. 4186-IX were analyzed, in particular:

• regarding the inclusion of volunteer experience in the motivation letter upon admission;
• enrolling volunteering as practice;
• mechanisms for documentary confirmation of hours worked;
• responsibilities of heads of educational institutions in promoting volunteer initiatives;
• the role of volunteering as an element of the formation of civic competencies, social activity and professional orientation of youth was determined;
• the European context of recognizing the results of volunteering as a component of non-formal education and a tool for youth mobility was discussed.

An algorithm for implementing the law in higher education institutions was developed, which includes:

• internal regulations and procedures;
• a system for recording and confirming hours;
• integration of volunteering into educational programs;
• interaction with public organizations.

Sincere gratitude to the motivated students of higher education institutions for their expressed position, cohesion and resilience, and motivation for volunteering. To the relevant Ministries, partner universities and public organizations, charitable foundations that take care of the youth volunteer movement, in particular, for taking into account the practice of student volunteering in the social development and reconstruction of Ukraine.

17.03.2026