The Civil Protection Faculty project, financed by the Swedish Institute, has made a significant contribution to strengthening Ukraine’s capacity in civil protection education, particularly in tactical medicine. This work, carried out by an NGO, consisting by a group of dedicated educators with the support of BSR experts, has played a crucial role in improving the training of first responders and civilians. The results of this collaboration have been recognised at the highest levels, with mentions by EU Commissioner Ferreira and Swedish Prime Minister Ulf Kristersson . Watch Kristersson’s speech here.
Through the Civil Protection Faculty project, in collaboration with PA Education, we have supported a dedicated group of Ukrainian educators in adapting and implementing curricula and training programs from the Baltic Sea Region. These efforts have strengthened Ukraine’s capacity in pre-medical care, demining, and psychological support, providing crucial knowledge in areas where resources are limited.
The project facilitated the training of instructors, the development of educational materials, and the establishment of partnerships with key institutions. As a result, thousands of Ukrainians—ranging from emergency responders to civilians in frontline regions—have gained life-saving skills.
Key Achievements of the Project – by UA partners
1. Advancements in Pre-Medical Care and Tactical Medicine
- Established a working group (supported by UNDP and the Ministry of Economy of Ukraine) to develop medical support standards for humanitarian demining units and training programs for State Emergency Service medics. Discussions are ongoing with the Ministry of Health, the Ministry of Defense, and the State Emergency Service.
- Conducted three additional instructor-training sessions in TCCC/TECC standards, led by trainers from MSB.
- Delivered a 7-day training for international evacuation teams and medics from State Emergency Service pyrotechnic units.
- Provided 3-day extended assistance training for front-line zone teams.
- Built a faculty team of 16 instructors, with 8 certified as trainers by The Swedish Civil Contingencies Agency (MSB).
- Trained over 12,000 individuals and supplied them with IFAK-standard first-aid kits.
- Distributed first-aid kits to more than 4,000 people in heavily affected regions.
- Signed Memorandums of Cooperation with Kharkiv & Lviv National Universities of Civil Protection and the Interregional Center for Humanitarian Demining to train pyrotechnic graduates in tactical medicine and first aid.
- Initiated collaboration with the National Police of Ukraine and organisations teaching tactical medicine to civilians of military age.
- Launched a training project for teachers in border and frontline regions with the Ukrainian Firefighters Foundation, providing necessary equipment and response plans.
- Translated and published a Swedish textbook on victim transportation.
2. Strengthening Mental Health Support
- Partnered with Lithuanian NGO Domus Solis to develop a training program on psychological assistance and trauma management.
- Held two 5-day training sessions in Lithuania and Ukraine.
- Established the first resource group in Cherkasy.
- Scheduled the third seminar on psychological support in December at Vovchok Higher Secondary School, aiming to establish a resource group in the Kyptiv community.
3. Promoting Democracy and Non-Formal Education
- Formed a working group with Mångkulturella Folkhögskolan to develop a folk high school pedagogy program.
- Conducted the first 3-day offline seminar on folk high school pedagogy in Ukraine (August 2024, 25 participants).
- Organised an offline seminar in Sweden on value-oriented pedagogy for school principals and teachers (30 participants).
- Scheduled a second seminar in November 2024 in Gosh, Rivne region.
- Translated and published a Swedish pedagogy textbook from MSB College in Sandö.
- Started developing ToT (Training of Trainers) programs for civil defense educators with MSB experts.
- Held an online seminar on volunteering in civil defense with experts from the Baltic States, Finland, and Sweden.
How You Can Support Future Initiatives
As we continue our work in Ukraine, we seek support in the following areas:
- Expanding instructor and trainer training in TCCC/TECC standards.
- Establishing a second Folk High School in Rivne region, including teacher training and a second Civil Protection Faculty.
- Developing a pedagogical project to train educators and trainers in Civil Defense.
- Adapting MSB programs for psychological assistance and structured psychological support systems.
- Enhancing major incident management programs.
- Building a Ukrainian volunteer movement in the field of civil protection.
Though this phase of the project has ended, our commitment to supporting Ukraine’s resilience remains steadfast. We look forward to continued cooperation with our partners to strengthen civil protection efforts across the country.
