How Can We Learn and Teach Democracy in Times of War?
From 23 to 26 July, the sunny city of Odesa became a meeting place for educators who share a common belief: Ukraine's democratic future is shaped not only through national policies but also in classrooms, lecture halls, and educational communities where free-thinking, responsible, and engaged citizens are nurtured.
Oksana Chub
senior lecturer Department of Business Economics and Entrepreneurship Kyiv National Economic University named after Vadym Hetman
Democracy does not emerge on its own. It grows through everyday choices, mutual respect, openness to different perspectives, and a willingness to take responsibility for our shared future. Guided by this vision, Progressive&Strong brought together educators from across Ukraine for the second edition of the Mentorship Academy 2.0. Teaching for Democracy.
This year's Academy became much more than a professional development programme. It created a space for open dialogue, knowledge exchange, collaborative problem-solving, and the strengthening of a nationwide community of educators committed to advancing democratic values in Ukrainian education.
The first day focused on building trust and meaningful connections among participants. The event was opened by Progressive&Strong team members and proud Odesa residents, Liudmyla KORNUTA and Kostiantyn PALSHKOV, who emphasized that Ukraine needs educators more than ever — professionals who not only share knowledge but also inspire future generations to become active citizens who understand and uphold democratic principles.
This year's Academy became much more than a professional development programme. It created a space for open dialogue, knowledge exchange, collaborative problem-solving, and the strengthening of a nationwide community of educators committed to advancing democratic values in Ukrainian education.
The first day focused on building trust and meaningful connections among participants. The event was opened by Progressive&Strong team members and proud Odesa residents, Liudmyla KORNUTA and Kostiantyn PALSHKOV, who emphasized that Ukraine needs educators more than ever — professionals who not only share knowledge but also inspire future generations to become active citizens who understand and uphold democratic principles.
Everything Begins with Community
Bohdan FERENS, Founder and Head of Progressive&Strong, shared the story of the organisation's journey, which began in 2017 with a training programme in Kyiv attended by just 23 university lecturers. Since then, the community has grown into the largest educational NGO in Ukraine, bringing together more than 1,500 members united by a shared commitment to transforming education.
During the opening session, participants learned about the organisation's remarkable growth and impact. Nataliia SHEVCHENKO highlighted the importance of community, partnerships, and active membership while presenting the achievements of Progressive&Strong, including the DOU Award received by the online programme The Comprehensive Course on AI in Education. Today, this course has already empowered more than 10,000 educators to integrate artificial intelligence into their professional practice.
Continuing the presentation, Yevheniia SHELEST introduced the development of the organisation's regional network, known as the "Islands of Progressiveness". With nearly one hundred local hubs across Ukraine, these communities have become vibrant centres for educational innovation and grassroots initiatives that respond to local needs.
Special attention was also given to the organisation's expanding areas of work. While Progressive&Strong initially focused on higher education, it now actively supports educators across early childhood, general secondary, vocational, and professional pre-higher education. In particular, vocational education has become one of the organisation's fastest-growing and most dynamic areas of activity.
The organisation also continues to implement programmes supporting internally displaced persons, war veterans, educators' professional development, international cooperation, and youth reskilling initiatives.
Participants learned about numerous international projects implemented by Progressive&Strong, including its successful partnership with UNICEF, through which more than 1,700 educators have already completed specialised training programmes. Together with international partners, the organisation continues to develop innovative educational initiatives, strengthen educators' professional capacity, and create new opportunities for young people across Ukraine.
The presentation clearly demonstrated that Progressive&Strong has evolved into a powerful platform for professional development, mutual support, and educational innovation—bringing together people who believe that meaningful and lasting change begins with empowered educators and strong communities.
Bohdan FERENS, Founder and Head of Progressive&Strong, shared the story of the organisation's journey, which began in 2017 with a training programme in Kyiv attended by just 23 university lecturers. Since then, the community has grown into the largest educational NGO in Ukraine, bringing together more than 1,500 members united by a shared commitment to transforming education.
During the opening session, participants learned about the organisation's remarkable growth and impact. Nataliia SHEVCHENKO highlighted the importance of community, partnerships, and active membership while presenting the achievements of Progressive&Strong, including the DOU Award received by the online programme The Comprehensive Course on AI in Education. Today, this course has already empowered more than 10,000 educators to integrate artificial intelligence into their professional practice.
Continuing the presentation, Yevheniia SHELEST introduced the development of the organisation's regional network, known as the "Islands of Progressiveness". With nearly one hundred local hubs across Ukraine, these communities have become vibrant centres for educational innovation and grassroots initiatives that respond to local needs.
Special attention was also given to the organisation's expanding areas of work. While Progressive&Strong initially focused on higher education, it now actively supports educators across early childhood, general secondary, vocational, and professional pre-higher education. In particular, vocational education has become one of the organisation's fastest-growing and most dynamic areas of activity.
The organisation also continues to implement programmes supporting internally displaced persons, war veterans, educators' professional development, international cooperation, and youth reskilling initiatives.
Participants learned about numerous international projects implemented by Progressive&Strong, including its successful partnership with UNICEF, through which more than 1,700 educators have already completed specialised training programmes. Together with international partners, the organisation continues to develop innovative educational initiatives, strengthen educators' professional capacity, and create new opportunities for young people across Ukraine.
The presentation clearly demonstrated that Progressive&Strong has evolved into a powerful platform for professional development, mutual support, and educational innovation—bringing together people who believe that meaningful and lasting change begins with empowered educators and strong communities.
Education That Strengthens Democracy
An important milestone of the first day was the presentation of the outcomes of the first Mentorship Academy. Organisers shared the programme's impact, highlighting that following the previous Academy, most participants had gone on to implement their own democracy-focused initiatives within their educational institutions and local communities. Moreover, over 85% of graduates reported on the results of their activities through a follow-up monitoring survey.
These achievements demonstrated that the Academy does not end with the awarding of certificates. Instead, it continues through the initiatives, partnerships, and community engagement led by its alumni, creating a lasting multiplier effect across Ukraine's education sector.
Following the official programme, the atmosphere quickly became more informal and collaborative. Through interactive networking activities, participants connected not through their professional titles, but through their personal stories, values, and lived experiences. This environment of openness and trust laid the foundation for the days ahead. As the sun set over the Black Sea, conversations about education, democracy, and future collaboration continued well beyond the official agenda, strengthening new professional relationships in a relaxed and inspiring setting.
The second day opened with an energiser that set a positive and collaborative tone for the programme. It was followed by one of the Academy's central discussions: Does today's formal education system meet the needs of a democratic society?
Bringing together educators from different educational sectors, the discussion explored practical approaches to student participation, democratic governance within educational institutions, institutional autonomy, the evolving role of educators, and the challenges that continue to hinder the development of democratic culture. The conversation was remarkably open and engaging, allowing participants to share both successful practices and the realities they face in their own institutions.
An important milestone of the first day was the presentation of the outcomes of the first Mentorship Academy. Organisers shared the programme's impact, highlighting that following the previous Academy, most participants had gone on to implement their own democracy-focused initiatives within their educational institutions and local communities. Moreover, over 85% of graduates reported on the results of their activities through a follow-up monitoring survey.
These achievements demonstrated that the Academy does not end with the awarding of certificates. Instead, it continues through the initiatives, partnerships, and community engagement led by its alumni, creating a lasting multiplier effect across Ukraine's education sector.
Following the official programme, the atmosphere quickly became more informal and collaborative. Through interactive networking activities, participants connected not through their professional titles, but through their personal stories, values, and lived experiences. This environment of openness and trust laid the foundation for the days ahead. As the sun set over the Black Sea, conversations about education, democracy, and future collaboration continued well beyond the official agenda, strengthening new professional relationships in a relaxed and inspiring setting.
The second day opened with an energiser that set a positive and collaborative tone for the programme. It was followed by one of the Academy's central discussions: Does today's formal education system meet the needs of a democratic society?
Bringing together educators from different educational sectors, the discussion explored practical approaches to student participation, democratic governance within educational institutions, institutional autonomy, the evolving role of educators, and the challenges that continue to hinder the development of democratic culture. The conversation was remarkably open and engaging, allowing participants to share both successful practices and the realities they face in their own institutions.
A Conversation Stronger Than an Air Raid Alert
One of the most memorable moments of the Academy was a dialogue with Artem BONDAREV, a veteran of the Russian-Ukrainian war. His personal story of military service, recovery, and return to active civic life became the emotional centrepiece of the second day.
Together, participants reflected on the role of veterans in Ukraine's post-war recovery, discussing opportunities for civic participation, employment, education, and local leadership. For Artem, democracy is rooted in freedom of choice, freedom of expression, and the opportunity for every voice to be heard.
Even an air raid alert could not interrupt this meaningful conversation. After moving to the shelter, participants continued discussing the challenges of veterans' reintegration, the role of education in this process, and the importance of creating opportunities for professional growth and lifelong learning after military service.
One of the most memorable moments of the Academy was a dialogue with Artem BONDAREV, a veteran of the Russian-Ukrainian war. His personal story of military service, recovery, and return to active civic life became the emotional centrepiece of the second day.
Together, participants reflected on the role of veterans in Ukraine's post-war recovery, discussing opportunities for civic participation, employment, education, and local leadership. For Artem, democracy is rooted in freedom of choice, freedom of expression, and the opportunity for every voice to be heard.
Even an air raid alert could not interrupt this meaningful conversation. After moving to the shelter, participants continued discussing the challenges of veterans' reintegration, the role of education in this process, and the importance of creating opportunities for professional growth and lifelong learning after military service.
Artificial Intelligence and New Approaches to Education
Following the coffee break, the Academy shifted from discussion to practical collaboration. Participants were divided into working groups representing general secondary, vocational, and higher education, with two separate groups dedicated to higher education due to the larger number of participants.
Each team analysed existing educational programmes using artificial intelligence tools, assessed them through the lens of democratic values, and developed recommendations for improvement. One of the most engaging aspects of the exercise was comparing AI-generated recommendations with participants' own professional expertise. Rather than accepting technology uncritically, educators thoughtfully evaluated each suggestion—embracing those that added value while confidently challenging others based on their practical experience and educational context.
Following the coffee break, the Academy shifted from discussion to practical collaboration. Participants were divided into working groups representing general secondary, vocational, and higher education, with two separate groups dedicated to higher education due to the larger number of participants.
Each team analysed existing educational programmes using artificial intelligence tools, assessed them through the lens of democratic values, and developed recommendations for improvement. One of the most engaging aspects of the exercise was comparing AI-generated recommendations with participants' own professional expertise. Rather than accepting technology uncritically, educators thoughtfully evaluated each suggestion—embracing those that added value while confidently challenging others based on their practical experience and educational context.
People Who Inspire Beyond the Classroom
One of the Academy's most engaging formats was the Living Library. Instead of books, participants met people whose personal and professional journeys became powerful sources of knowledge and inspiration. They shared first-hand experience in the fields of inclusive education, social entrepreneurship, community development, and other areas driving positive social change.
These conversations once again demonstrated that lived experience often inspires more deeply than any textbook or presentation. Among the Living Library speakers were Progressive&Strong education leaders Viacheslav ROHOV, Kostiantyn PALSHKOV, and Oksana KOVTASH, alongside social development experts Yuliia BABAIEVA and Olha STEPANENKO, each offering unique perspectives on leadership, resilience, and civic engagement.
The intensive day concluded in true Odesa spirit—with a swim in the warm waters of the Black Sea. After hours of discussions on democracy, participation, and educational transformation, the seashore became the perfect setting for informal networking, meaningful conversations, and recharging before the next stage of the Academy.
One of the Academy's most engaging formats was the Living Library. Instead of books, participants met people whose personal and professional journeys became powerful sources of knowledge and inspiration. They shared first-hand experience in the fields of inclusive education, social entrepreneurship, community development, and other areas driving positive social change.
These conversations once again demonstrated that lived experience often inspires more deeply than any textbook or presentation. Among the Living Library speakers were Progressive&Strong education leaders Viacheslav ROHOV, Kostiantyn PALSHKOV, and Oksana KOVTASH, alongside social development experts Yuliia BABAIEVA and Olha STEPANENKO, each offering unique perspectives on leadership, resilience, and civic engagement.
The intensive day concluded in true Odesa spirit—with a swim in the warm waters of the Black Sea. After hours of discussions on democracy, participation, and educational transformation, the seashore became the perfect setting for informal networking, meaningful conversations, and recharging before the next stage of the Academy.
Democracy in Action: From Dialogue to Solutions
The third day shifted the focus from discussion to hands-on democratic practice.
Participants began by taking part in the M18 Parliament Simulation, an interactive exercise designed to replicate democratic decision-making. Working in teams, they negotiated budget allocations, defended different viewpoints, built consensus, and experienced first-hand how democratic institutions function through dialogue, compromise, and shared responsibility.
Rather than simply learning about democracy, participants experienced its principles in practice.
During the second half of the day, teams worked on developing their own pilot initiatives aimed at strengthening democratic culture within educational institutions. Each group identified a real challenge, designed practical solutions, developed an implementation roadmap, prepared a project presentation, and produced a short promotional video.
The creative process proved so engaging that many participants continued working long after the official programme had ended. Naturally, the Black Sea called once again—so the teams simply moved their brainstorming sessions to the shoreline. Surrounded by fresh sea air, the sound of the waves, and an atmosphere of openness, participants refined their ideas and presentations, demonstrating that collaboration thrives wherever people are united by a shared purpose.
The third day shifted the focus from discussion to hands-on democratic practice.
Participants began by taking part in the M18 Parliament Simulation, an interactive exercise designed to replicate democratic decision-making. Working in teams, they negotiated budget allocations, defended different viewpoints, built consensus, and experienced first-hand how democratic institutions function through dialogue, compromise, and shared responsibility.
Rather than simply learning about democracy, participants experienced its principles in practice.
During the second half of the day, teams worked on developing their own pilot initiatives aimed at strengthening democratic culture within educational institutions. Each group identified a real challenge, designed practical solutions, developed an implementation roadmap, prepared a project presentation, and produced a short promotional video.
The creative process proved so engaging that many participants continued working long after the official programme had ended. Naturally, the Black Sea called once again—so the teams simply moved their brainstorming sessions to the shoreline. Surrounded by fresh sea air, the sound of the waves, and an atmosphere of openness, participants refined their ideas and presentations, demonstrating that collaboration thrives wherever people are united by a shared purpose.
The Most Important Part Begins After the Academy
The final day marked the culmination of four days of collaboration, learning, and co-creation. Each team presented its pilot project designed to promote democratic values across early childhood, general secondary, vocational, and higher education. Every presentation reflected creativity, practical thinking, and a genuine commitment to turning ideas into action.
Following the presentations, participants engaged in a collaborative feedback session, exchanging reflections, offering constructive recommendations, and discussing opportunities to implement their initiatives within their own educational institutions and communities. Serhii FEDCHYSHYN encouraged participants to move quickly from planning to implementation, emphasising that timely action is one of the key factors behind successful educational innovation.
Reflecting on the Academy's outcomes, Bohdan FERENS commended every team for its professionalism, responsibility, and strong collaborative spirit. He also reminded participants that the Academy represents the beginning of a longer journey, with the implementation of their projects and future opportunities to reconnect, including at the Progressive Educators Summit 2026.
Bringing the Academy to a close, Liudmyla KORNUTA captured the spirit of the experience with a remark that resonated with many participants:
"Once you've attended a Progressive&Strong event, life is never quite the same again".
Her words reflected what many participants had already come to feel over the previous four days.
The final day marked the culmination of four days of collaboration, learning, and co-creation. Each team presented its pilot project designed to promote democratic values across early childhood, general secondary, vocational, and higher education. Every presentation reflected creativity, practical thinking, and a genuine commitment to turning ideas into action.
Following the presentations, participants engaged in a collaborative feedback session, exchanging reflections, offering constructive recommendations, and discussing opportunities to implement their initiatives within their own educational institutions and communities. Serhii FEDCHYSHYN encouraged participants to move quickly from planning to implementation, emphasising that timely action is one of the key factors behind successful educational innovation.
Reflecting on the Academy's outcomes, Bohdan FERENS commended every team for its professionalism, responsibility, and strong collaborative spirit. He also reminded participants that the Academy represents the beginning of a longer journey, with the implementation of their projects and future opportunities to reconnect, including at the Progressive Educators Summit 2026.
Bringing the Academy to a close, Liudmyla KORNUTA captured the spirit of the experience with a remark that resonated with many participants:
"Once you've attended a Progressive&Strong event, life is never quite the same again".
Her words reflected what many participants had already come to feel over the previous four days.
The Mentorship Academy 2.0. Teaching for Democracy became far more than a training programme. It evolved into a space where new partnerships were formed, bold ideas took shape, and a shared vision for the future of Ukrainian education emerged.
This is how democratic culture grows — through trust, collaboration, open dialogue, and the willingness of individuals to take responsibility for meaningful change. And it is through communities like Progressive&Strong that educators across Ukraine continue to shape a stronger, more democratic future.
This is how democratic culture grows — through trust, collaboration, open dialogue, and the willingness of individuals to take responsibility for meaningful change. And it is through communities like Progressive&Strong that educators across Ukraine continue to shape a stronger, more democratic future.
01.08.2026
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