Between 20 and 22 October 2025, the three-day study visit from Poland to Lithuania took place within the framework of the SUCCESS Project. The guests were Tomasz Pietrzykowski, Vice-Rector for International and Domestic Cooperation at US; Małgorzata Myśliwiec, Dean of the Faculty of Social Sciences at US; Yuliana Palagnyuk, SUCCESS project coordinator at US; Anna Olender-Staśkiewicz, deputy SUCCESS project coordinator at US and Kacper Skalmierski, SUCCESS project specialist. The mutual learning visit of five representatives from the University of Silesia in Katowice aimed at exploring the work and activities of the Ukrainian Centre at Vytautas Magnus University (VMU) in Vilnius and the Mariupol State University Centre at VMU in Kaunas.
The first day of the visit began in a friendly atmosphere with a meeting with representatives of the Ukrainian Centre in Vilnius, led by Nataliia Vasylieva, the SUCCESS project coordinator at the VMU Ukrainian Center. The meeting served as an introduction to the detailed agenda of the visit and provided an opportunity to discuss the main objectives and goals of the planned activities, including the working sessions scheduled for the third day in Vilnius.
The second day of the study visit was devoted to intensive project meetings held at two locations of VMU in Kaunas: the Mariupol State University Center and the Institute of Foreign Languages. The overall agenda and course of the day were coordinated by Vilma Bijeikienė, SUCCESS Project Leader at VMU, who ensured the high academic and organizational quality of all meetings.
The activities of Mariupol State University Center were examined by the US SUCCESS team. The highlight of this visit was a strategic working meeting with representatives of Mariupol State University (MSU) regarding the future cooperation strategy between MSU and the University of Silesia in Katowice. The meetings concluded with shared commitments to strengthen cooperation between the universities, further integrate project teams, and coordinate joint academic and research initiatives.
The mutual learning meetings with VMU SUCCESS project partners were held at the Institute of Foreign Languages, led by Teresė Ringailienė, Director of the Institute and SUCCESS project expert, and Dovilė Blaudžiūnienė, SUCCESS project coordinator at VMU. The discussions focused on the progress of the project activity “Upscaling language learning framework” – an initiative aimed at creating new opportunities for adults to learn Lithuanian, English, and Polish. The VMU team presented innovative approaches to adult language learning, intercultural adaptation, and inclusion of displaced Ukrainian academics and students. The teams also discussed issues related to project documentation, dissemination, sustainability actions, and mutual learning events.
The third and final day of the study visit opened with an experience-sharing session and discussion about the activities organized within the project by the Ukrainian Centre in Vilnius. The discussion actively involved: Yuliana Palagnyuk, Anna Olender-Staśkiewicz, Kacper Skalmierski, and Łukasz Mędrek representing the US SUCCESS team; Nataliia Vasylieva, Oleksandra Vasiliauske, Tetiana Pinaieva, Valeriia Yanchur, representing the Lithuanian SUCCESS team.
Among the discussed topics there was the upcoming Youth Think Tank Initiative, to be organized by the University of Silesia in Katowice. The Lithuanian experience shared during the meeting enabled the Polish team to better understand the goals, recruitment process, and organizational framework of this activity.
The team also met with former participants of the Community Accelerator activity, previously held in Lithuania: Nataliia Akishyna, and Olena Bobovych. This exchange provided an opportunity to hear participants’ personal reflections and success stories. As a similar Community Accelerator activity is planned in Katowice in spring 2026, the insights gained were particularly valuable.
During this study visit, US representatives observed volunteer-led activities conducted by the Ukrainian Centre in Vilnius and the exhibition “In the Risk Zone”, organized by the Ukrainian Centre, devoted to the International Day of Intangible Cultural Heritage.
Visiting the Ukrainian Centre, participating in presentations and discussions, and observing the variety of activities organized by its volunteers was a truly inspiring and educational experience for the US representatives.
The three-day study visit demonstrated how much can be achieved through mutual support, friendship, and joint efforts. The active engagement of local and Ukrainian volunteers, community leaders, and the Lithuanian community – supported by Vytautas Magnus University – showcased the power of solidarity and cooperation in achieving shared goals.
Moreover, the visit confirmed the strategic potential of the Ukrainian Centre model as an innovative and sustainable platform for integration, intercultural education, and civic resilience. Based on the experience of the VMU Ukrainian Centre and the Mariupol State University Centres in Kaunas and Katowice, the partners agreed to further develop the “Ukrainian Centre Innovation and Sustainability Plan” under the SUCCESS project, focusing on strengthening institutional cooperation, volunteer networks, and long-term community engagement across Europe.
*Funded by the European Union. Views and opinions expressed are however those of the author(s) only and do not necessarily reflect those of the European Union or European Social Fund Agency. Neither the European Union nor the Granting Authority can be held responsible for them.