How Ukrainian refugees in Switzerland gain knowledge for the reconstruction of Ukraine under the CAS Rebuild Ukraine program

The war caused devastating losses to Ukraine, destroying infrastructure, residential buildings, hospitals, schools and roads. Reconstruction of the country will be one of the biggest challenges after the end of the war. This process requires not only financial resources, but also qualified specialists who will be able to implement new, innovative approaches to reconstruction. An especially important role in this is played by educational initiatives that teach people modern technologies and approaches to reconstruction. One such program is CAS Reconstruction Ukraine, launched in Switzerland, which provides Ukrainian refugees with unique knowledge and experience to rebuild their country.

CAS Reconstruction Ukraine educational program

The CAS Reconstruction Ukraine program was created two years ago at the Bern University of Applied Sciences. It is aimed at Ukrainian refugee women who have experience in the construction field or work in humanitarian aid organizations. During this time, 60 Ukrainians successfully completed the course.

The goal of the program is to train specialists who will be able to actively participate in the reconstruction of Ukraine. Participants receive practical tools for assessment, planning and implementation of projects for the reconstruction of buildings, infrastructure, land clearance from the consequences of war and the implementation of alternative energy sources.

Teaching takes place in English in several cities in Switzerland, such as Biel, Lucerne, Rapperswil and Zurich. Participants have the opportunity not only to acquire new knowledge, but also to cooperate with Swiss specialists and receive support from the government and business.

CAS Reconstruction of Ukraine was created with the belief that education is the most valuable investment in the future, and with the desire to provide support to people who seek to rebuild their country. This continuing education program was developed in close cooperation with experts from various fields – business, science, research and public administration.

Course participants are already working on the development of specific reconstruction projects, such as the restoration of schools, kindergartens or energy infrastructure facilities. These directions are critically important for modern Ukraine. Students independently propose project ideas, and the program provides them with knowledge, methods and tools for their implementation. The educational process involves not only experts from the University of Bern, but also representatives of other universities in Switzerland and Ukraine, who help create effective solutions for real needs.

The course has a clear practical orientation and is designed for people with professional education and experience. The subjects of the classes cover such issues as assessment of damage to buildings, planning for restoration of water and energy supply, reconstruction of damaged buildings and other infrastructure facilities. Thanks to expert analysis of implemented and planned projects, training maintains a high level of practical significance.

All participants of the program went through a tough selection process, because the competition consisted of three people per place. They have a common goal – to return to Ukraine and participate in its reconstruction projects. This motivation helps them work hard on academic tasks. Many have already begun to implement their ideas, taking into account the specific needs of their native regions.

The CAS Reconstruction of Ukraine program is an example of how educational initiatives can support the recovery of devastated areas by giving people the knowledge and skills to implement change. Course participants are already realizing their dream of a restored and strong Ukraine.

Innovative projects for the recovery of Ukraine

A key aspect of the program is the development of innovative projects that will be used to restore destroyed objects in Ukraine. For example, course participants develop:

• water utilities and hospitals that will work on alternative energy sources;
• systems of decentralized construction scrap processing;
• modern shelters for the protection of the population;
• methods of clearing agricultural land from ammunition and other consequences of war.

These projects will not only help Ukraine to quickly restore critical infrastructure, but will also become an example of sustainable development focused on the long-term perspective.

The organizers of CAS Reconstruction Ukraine plan to launch a similar course in Ukraine as well. This will allow to attract more people to study and improve the qualifications of specialists without the need to go abroad.

Education in the conditions of war becomes an extremely important tool for supporting citizens and rebuilding the state. The spread of such programs in Ukraine will contribute to the creation of new jobs, the integration of the latest technologies, and increased resilience to future challenges. CAS Reconstruction Ukraine demonstrates how education can be the key to rebuilding a country after war.