Translation. Region: Russian Federal
Source: Peter the Great St. Petersburg Polytechnic University –
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At the end of August, representatives of the military-historical club "Our Polytechnic" made a working trip to the Donetsk People's Republic. The main goal of the mission was the delivery of humanitarian supplies to military personnel and civilians, but the trip also included a cultural and educational component. This initiative was a continuation of the regular volunteer activities of the university, which have been carried out since 2022.
The road to Donbass began with crossing the Rostov region and moving towards the border territories. The first settlement that met the delegation was the city of Antratsit. It has remained virtually unchanged since 2014: signs, advertisements and buildings have been preserved. Time seemed to have stopped, and only military checkpoints and equipment reminded us of today.
The route then led through Debaltseve and Yenakiyeve, cities where the war had left its mark. Destroyed houses, traces of fires, damaged bridges and roads clearly demonstrated the consequences of military action. In Yenakiyeve, the delegation saw the consequences of a drone attack on a gas station: burnt cars and half-destroyed structures remained a silent reminder of recent events.
The Spartak district at the entrance to Donetsk made a special impression. This quarter became one of the symbols of resistance and suffered the most during the fighting. Empty streets, multi-story buildings with broken windows and openings sealed with polyethylene – all this became a silent testimony of what was experienced. However, in the very center of the city, the delegation was met with the opposite picture: lively streets, many young people, working shops and cafes. Despite the proximity of the front, Donetsk continues to live an active urban life.
The main purpose of the trip was to deliver humanitarian aid. This time, more than 150 camouflage nets made by students and staff of SPbPU, a UAZ vehicle, components, tools and electric generators were transferred to the DPR.
Humanitarian aid was sent to support both military personnel and civilians. In addition, it was possible to collect museum exhibits – trophies and items from the front line, which will soon be presented in the exhibition spaces of the university and the city.
During the trip, the university representatives visited artillery units and were able to see the living conditions of the soldiers. The soldiers set up rest areas, kitchens, field baths and even small sports areas on their own. These examples clearly showed how important the interaction between volunteers and the army is: even simple assistance allows servicemen to feel care and support from the rear. Perhaps the most vivid impression from the trip was communication with officers and soldiers. It is one thing to follow what is happening in the SVO zone through a phone screen and quite another to listen to their combat stories live.
An equally important part of the mission was the development of educational projects. Admission to SPbPU's continuing professional education programs was organized for participants and veterans of the SVO. By the end of the year, more than 120 people will be able to take advanced training courses in high-tech industries.
This approach not only helps to provide soldiers and veterans with knowledge needed in civilian life, but also promotes their social adaptation after service. Such programs have already become an important part of the university's humanitarian work, and the number of participants is growing every month.
"Polytech systematically develops additional professional education for participants and veterans of the SVO, based on the diagnostics of educational needs, modular design and employment support. Based on the survey and employer requests, priority areas and profiles of students have been identified, participation formats have been agreed upon with key partners," said the head of the Directorate of Continuing Education and Industry Partnership SPbPU Ivan Kurta. — Courses on fire safety, UAS maintenance, training of industrial training masters, psychological, pedagogical and methodological foundations of additional professional education, state and municipal management, CAD and electronics are ready for launch. The Polytechnic Center for Professional Development of Veterans of the Northwestern Military District is being formed. A replicable model is being tested, including diagnostics, individual routes, modular practice-oriented programs, mentoring, internships and assistance with employment. A program for teachers and mentors has been developed, focused on digital support and individualization of educational trajectories."
At the end of the trip, the delegation visited the Alley of Memory of the Fallen Children of Donbass, a memorial erected in honor of the young residents of the region who died as a result of shelling. This place has become a symbol of the resilience and pain experienced by the residents of Donetsk. Residents of the city regularly bring flowers and toys here, maintaining the memory of the innocent victims of the conflict.
According to Ivan Kolomeitsev, Associate Professor of the Higher School of Social Sciences at SPbPU, humanitarian trips have become an integral part of the university's life: Honestly, I have already lost count of the number of missions. But it is especially pleasant to see that students are not indifferent and actively involved in the work. I would like to thank all the polytechnics, graduates and friends of the university, as well as our regular partners from the government of St. Petersburg and the Gorelectrotrans company for their support.
From the summer of 2022 to the present, under the auspices of Peter the Great SPbPU, more than 50 tons of various cargo have been delivered to military personnel and civilians in the SVO area. Among them are 9 all-terrain vehicles, car parts, tools for various purposes, special equipment, communications equipment, clothing, food and hygiene products. In populated areas of the Zaporizhia region, with the direct participation and under the guidance of university employees and volunteers, the water supply system has been restored. In addition, more than 1,800 camouflage nets with a total area of over 36 thousand square meters have been manufactured and transferred to units of the Russian Armed Forces and other departments. Meetings with SVO participants are regularly held at the university.
Please note: This information is raw content obtained directly from the source of the information. It is an accurate report of what the source claims and does not necessarily reflect the position of MIL-OSI or its clients.
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