Merry Christmas

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(Source KNU)

2022 has been a difficult and tragic year for all of us – for Ukraine and for all European family. The Russian aggression against Ukraine divided millions lives into two distinct periods: before and after.

The sufferings, broken destinies, real tragedies, and reverberation of war are ubiquitous. Over 7.8 million Ukrainians have fled to the European Union and other European states in search of temporary protection due to this cruel war.

Since the beginning of this brutal war, the FAU family has supported Ukrainians and not just shown its solidarity with Ukraine, but has also proven it. Together with our partners, FAU was able to support Ukrainian students, researchers and scholars both at FAU and beyond. Let’s look at a few numbers. In the framework of FAU “PACT4Ukraine-Project” we are in close cooperation with over 6 Ukrainian universities, including displaced ones. More than 100 Ukrainian students are enrolled at FAU, 25 Ukrainian scholars are now working at FAU chairs to continue their academic career supported by Volkswagen Foundation, Phillip-Schwartz-Initative, Marie Skłodowska-Curie Actions for Ukraine, and FAU chairs, and more than 100 Ukrainian citizens are attending FAU’s language courses. In addition, Ukrainian students in Ukraine can now participate in an online German language conversation club at FAU. There are currently 60 attendees. We were able to help Ukrainians financially, due to private donators donating money on betterplace, different funds and state programs. We are very grateful for all the support.

Christmas is coming and it is the time to pause and remember what happened during the year.

Let us remember all people in need and let them know that they are not alone.

Let us pause and light a candle on Christmas Day for all the people died in this unnecessary war.

We will continue to stand with Ukraine and do our utmost to strengthen its university system, to support students in their education process, and researchers in theirs activities helping to minimize the academic brain drain from Ukraine.

Бажаємо Україні миру та спокію, а також щиро вітаємо з Різдвом Христовим та Новим роком!

We sincerely wish you Merry Christmas, Happy New Year and finally peace for Ukraine.