The role of the public in ensuring the functioning of higher education in Ukraine during the war

Abstract

Since the beginning of the full-scale invasion, higher education in Ukraine has faced many challenges that had a great impact on its effective functioning. The purpose of the article was to analyze the role of the public in the process of functioning of higher education institutions of Ukraine under martial law. The following research methods were used in the work: analysis, explanation, generalization. The results.  In the course of the study, it was determined that the main challenges faced by higher education institutions were the destruction of infrastructure, loss of personnel potential, outflow of education seekers, reduction of funding. A significant role in resolving problematic issues was assigned to various public associations and organizations. Examples of the use of fundraising by higher education institutions as one of the alternative sources of funding were given. In particular, the formation of endowments of universities, financial institutions and charitable foundations. Particular attention was paid to international support of the educational process (the project "Decentralization for the Development of Democratic Education" (DECIDE), Twinning). It was determined that there are also initiatives aimed at solving the problem of the outflow of education seekers abroad and ensuring their return for the reconstruction of Ukraine ("Ukrainian Global University"). An equally important role is played by national public organizations, in particular, "EdCamp Ukraine", which together with institutional partners created the "EdWay" platform. This information resource is intended for interaction between teaching staff and other participants in the educational process. Another example is the public organization "Association of Innovative and Digital Education", which has developed special courses for professional development, a platform for career guidance, as well as courses on psychological assistance. Conclusions. In general, public organizations contribute to the sustainable functioning of educational institutions by attracting additional resources, including financial, material and technical support, providing psychological support to participants in the educational process. As a result, the modern system of higher education of Ukraine becomes more adaptive and able to meet the needs of new groups of students