Palacký University Olomouc, in cooperation with Paměť národa (Memory of Nations), is launching a public donation campaign to help Taras Shevchenko National University in Kyiv. One of Ukraine's most prestigious universities has appealed to the University in Olomouc, requesting a generator to enable it to continue teaching and research during the current freezing winter, when Ukraine is facing attacks on its energy infrastructure by Russia. The generator is expected to be sent to Kyiv in the coming days.
Universities have always stood for knowledge, freedom, and responsibility in society. Today, they have another opportunity to live up to these values.
Ongoing attacks on Ukraine's energy infrastructure are depriving millions of people of electricity, heat, and basic security. This reality also affects academic institutions—places that are crucial for maintaining education, critical thinking, and social resilience in times of crisis.
Taras Shevchenko National University in Kyiv, one of Ukraine's most important universities, has officially approached Palacký University Olomouc with a request for help. Palacký University, in cooperation with Paměť národa (Memory of Nations), is therefore launching a donation campaign to purchase a KJ POWER KJA110 (110 kVA) diesel generator, which will enable teaching, research, and the basic functioning of the university in Kyiv to continue even during power outages and under extremely difficult conditions.
The university as a pillar of resilience
Despite blackouts, evacuations to shelters, and daily uncertainty, Kyiv University continues to teach, conduct research, and provide assistance. The university serves as a safe and stable environment not only for students and teachers, but also for the wider community. It is a place where psychological support is provided, where the continuity of education is maintained, and where the future of a country defending itself against aggression is being prepared.
However, even the strongest institutions cannot cope with extreme stress without support. We are therefore facing a clear challenge today: to help our colleagues who defend the same values as we do, only in unimaginably more difficult conditions.
A call to the academic community – without borders
This donation campaign was launched on the initiative of Palacký University Olomouc, in cooperation with Paměť národa (Memory of Nations). At the same time, it is an open call to the entire academic community and all university communities – students, teachers, employees, and other universities in Czechia and abroad. Because academic solidarity knows no borders. And because the help of one university, multiplied by the support of others, has real power.
The goal is to raise funds for specific, immediately usable aid – a generator that can be sent to Kyiv in the coming days through Paměť národa. Every contribution, large or small, is an expression of solidarity and responsibility. Together, we can help ensure that education, research, and human values survive even in times of war.
Let's show that we are not indifferent to the fate of our colleagues!