On Sunday, April 13, two Russian missiles struck the city center of Sumy, Ukraine. The attack resulted in the deaths of 34 people and injured more than 100. Among the severely damaged infrastructure was Sumy State University, including its Congress Center – which served as the home of the Adult Education Center in Sumy, a longstanding partner of DVV International.
“DVV International is deeply shocked and saddened by the devastating attack on the city of Sumy. Our thoughts are with the victims and their families, as well as with our colleagues, partners, and the entire community of Sumy,” says Uwe Gartenschlaeger, Director of DVV International. “This tragedy strikes at the heart of our mission: to promote education, inclusion, and empowerment. The Center in Sumy stood as a beacon of hope and learning during difficult times, offering thousands of adults the opportunity to gain skills, build resilience, and connect with their community.”
The Adult Education Center, operated by the NGO Lifelong Learning Center, was established in 2016 with the support of DVV International in Ukraine. Based at Sumy State University and in cooperation with a range of donors and partners the Center became a vibrant hub for adult learning and community engagement. It offered diverse educational programs in areas such as employment, civic education, public science, theatre and the arts, psychology and mental health, financial and media literacy, languages, and sustainable development.
In response to the ongoing war, the Center swiftly adapted its offerings to meet the urgent needs of the population, including online seminars focused on mental health support and practical skills. These efforts were supported by DVV International with financial support by the German Federal Foreign Office and the Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development. Each year, the Center served more than 3,500 participants.
The Center was also actively engaged in international cooperation. For over two years, it maintained a partnership with Volkshochschule Celle, a German adult education center, fostering the exchange of best practices and the development of joint initiatives. The inclusion of Sumy in UNESCO’s Global Network of Learning Cities reflected the city’s and the Center’s shared commitment to inclusive and lifelong learning for all.
“DVV International remains committed to supporting the people of Sumy and our partners in Ukraine. We will continue to promote access to inclusive, high-quality education for all,” says Uwe Gartenschlaeger.