Development of economic education in times of war: Pivdenny Bank opens Academician Hub at Taras Shevchenko National University of Kyiv

A modern platform for discussions and exchange of experience between representatives of Ukrainian business and students, "Academician Hub Pivdenny", has been opened at the Faculty of Economics of Taras Shevchenko National University of Kyiv.

Enhancing theoretical knowledge with the practical experience of Ukrainian business is the goal that "Pivdenny" 's  team of experts plans to achieve through workshops with students and analysis of real business cases that will reveal the practical aspects of the disciplines. To this end, the Bank has created a modern energy-independent space at the University, equipped with interactive whiteboards, projectors and the Internet to make the learning process as convenient and comfortable as possible under any conditions.

The prerequisite for the implementation of the "Academician Hub Pivdenny" educational project was a survey of corporate sector employers on the problematic issues of state economic education development, which was conducted by Pivdenny Bank in partnership with Gradus Research* at the beginning of cooperation with the University.

Thus, 79 per cent of Ukrainian business representatives – potential future employers – believe that a more applied study programme at universities is needed to develop quality skills. And business can help: conduct practical classes based on real business cases, provide students with internship opportunities, and create grant programmes. The Bank plans to implement these three key tasks together with the university within the framework of the "Academician Hub Pivdenny" project.

The practical experience gained in this way will allow students to better understand themselves and determine the direction of their professional development. After all, the sooner a student receives the basic practical knowledge and skills, the more interesting it will be for him or her to start their professional career, says  Alla Vanetjants, Pivdenny Bank's Chairman of the board:

"We are ready to share our most valuable assets – time, experience and attention – because we are confident that investing in talented young people will contribute to the development of our country. In the "Academician Hub", students will gain valuable experience that will become a prerequisite for a successful career start, and Ukrainian business will get young talented specialists.".

A special scholarship from Pivdenny Bank is provided for the most active students of the  "Academician Hub". The first meeting within the educational project will take place on 21 February.