Saskatchewan Polytechnic Launches $2 Million Project for Women Veterans in Ukraine

Saskatchewan Polytechnic has initiated a significant international project aimed at supporting the reintegration of women veterans in Ukraine. The initiative, named the Women Veteran Reintegration in Ukraine Project (WVRUP), is backed by a funding commitment of $2 million from Global Affairs Canada, and will span five years.

Announced by Prime Minister Mark Carney during the celebration of the 34th anniversary of Ukrainian Independence Day on August 24, this project seeks to facilitate the transition of female veterans into civilian life. It will provide targeted employment programs, entrepreneurship training, and psychosocial support tailored to meet the unique challenges faced by these women.

Project Goals and Partnerships

WVRUP will be implemented in collaboration with several local organizations, including the Women’s Information Consultative Center, the Ministry of Veteran Affairs, and the State Economic Service of Ukraine. The project’s primary focus will be on major urban areas with high concentrations of veterans, specifically Kyiv, Dnipro, and Vinnitsya.

Over the past decade, the number of women serving in Ukraine’s Armed Forces has increased dramatically, rising to over 70,000 individuals. These women often encounter significant hurdles when returning to civilian life, including diminished income, limited job prospects, and barriers to entrepreneurship.

The WVRUP aims to enhance the socio-economic well-being of female veterans and their families. By 2028, the initiative is projected to assist 30,000 women veterans, benefit an additional 6,000 family members, and engage more than 60 master trainers. The project will also introduce six new or improved training programs aligned with high-demand sectors.

Commitment to Education and Empowerment

Saskatchewan Polytechnic will take the lead in developing instructor training programs, as well as creating educational resources, trainer handbooks, and assessment tools focused on skills and entrepreneurship development. Ukrainian trainers from the Ministry of Veteran Affairs and the State Economic Service will receive training to effectively deliver these services and advocate for gender-sensitive reforms.

“We are honoured to support the Government of Ukraine in empowering the lives of their women veterans during this pivotal time,” said Dr. Larry Rosia, president and CEO of Saskatchewan Polytechnic, in a press release. He emphasized the institution’s commitment to global citizenship and the transformative power of education.

Angela Wojcichowsky, director of International Projects at Saskatchewan Polytechnic, highlighted the importance of building on existing partnerships. “Sask Polytech has worked in Ukraine since 2016, and this project builds on a foundation of meaningful partnerships and mutual learning. We believe in the resilience of Ukraine’s women veterans and their potential to lead in rebuilding their communities,” she stated.

With over three decades of experience in international education, Saskatchewan Polytechnic is recognized as a leader in skills training that aligns with local, regional, and global labour market needs. The institution’s extensive experience in managing international development projects has yielded positive outcomes in technical and vocational education and training across various countries, including Ukraine, Jordan, and Vietnam.

This new initiative not only aims to address the pressing needs of female veterans in Ukraine but also reinforces Saskatchewan Polytechnic’s dedication to fostering sustainable development through education and community engagement.