Kharkiv National University of Internal Affairs held a round table dedicated to the development of volunteer activities. The event was international due to the participation of an Austrian citizen - an active paramedic, pilot and volunteer Mr. Ben.

The discussion was joined by cadets, students, volunteers and specialists in the social and humanitarian direction of the university. In total, about 100 representatives of KhNUIA from different locations took part in the event, which was held in a hybrid format.

Svitlana Stelmakh, a Specialist of the Group of International Relations and Inter-university Work of KFC of KhNUIA, made a welcome speech. She introduced Mr. Ben to the participants, who shared his own experience of volunteer activity in Ukraine. In particular, he spoke about the activities of the Ben Paramedic Organization, which he created, which transfers helmets, gas masks, tourniquets and other necessary equipment to the Ukrainian military free of charge. The volunteer also focused on cooperation with the SuperHumans Center and the «PHYsical Level» Chary Foundation, within which wounded Ukrainian defenders receive adaptive ammunition.

Yevhen Savchenko, a veteran and combatant, a Specialist in the Department of Social and Humanitarian work, shared his history of volunteer activity after being wounded. Having gone through a difficult path of treatment and rehabilitation, he implemented a number of projects for the repair and transfer of vehicles for combat units. Yevhen now actively helps veterans and their families in solving legal and household issues.

Anna Melnyk, Chairman of the Cadet Council of the ERI No. 3, spoke about the main areas of volunteer work of Cadet and Student Self-Government. Students of the ERI No. 5 Yelyzaveta Nedilko, Yana Horskina and Vitalina Harbuz shared the experience of youth participation in humanitarian initiatives: collecting different items for the military, visiting the wounded in medical institutions, donating blood, conducting master classes for children and helping animals in shelters.

The Head of the International Cooperation Department, Tetiana Matiushkova, presented the experience of the university's participation in the project of the REPOWER charity foundation, aimed at psychological support of combat medics. The initiative helps them to undergo recovery, prevent occupational burnout and maintain motivation for service.

During the discussion session, cadets and students of various divisions of the university actively discussed the challenges and prospects for the development of the volunteer movement. The participants came to a common opinion that the true essence of volunteering – is unselfish help to those who need it and willingness to act even without waiting for thanks.

The round table was organized by the joint efforts of the International Cooperation Department and the Group of International Relations and Inter-University Work of KFC of KhNUIA.