Palacký University's charity campaign to buy a power generator for Taras Shevchenko National University of Kyiv was successfully completed in just one week. The target amount was collected thanks to the extraordinary solidarity of the university community and wider academic community in the Czech Republic. Paměť národa (Memory of Nations) was a key partner in the initiative, and Masaryk University and the Brno University of Technology also provided significant support.
The collection responded to the acute need of the Kyiv University to cope with power outages caused by ongoing attacks on civilian infrastructure. The generator will enable the university to continue teaching, operate key facilities, and maintain basic security.
"We managed to complete the collection in just one week. I consider this a success not only for the Olomouc university community, but for the entire academic community of the Czech Republic, which joined the appeal. I want to thank everyone who contributed to the collection. We have sent a clear signal that solidarity between universities is not just symbolic, but that our help has a concrete form and a concrete impact," said Michael Kohajda, rector of Palacký University.
"We feel that we are not alone – that we have reliable friends who are lending a helping hand. Together we are stronger." Kyiv University management
The generator was delivered to Kyiv at the end of last week. Palacký University decided to take advantage of the logistical opportunity when Memory of Nations was transporting other generators to eastern Ukraine.
"As soon as it became clear that the collection would be successful, we couldn't wait. Memory of Nations was organising the transport of other generators to eastern Ukraine, and it was possible to add ours. Thanks to this, we got the generator to Kyiv without delay—in a situation where time really matters," added Matěj Dostálek, Vice-Rector for Communication and Social Responsibility at UP.
The amount raised exceeded the original target. The surplus will be used by Memory of Nations to purchase additional equipment to help Ukraine overcome this difficult period under intense and inhumane attack by the Russian aggressor.
Help Ukraine with Memory of Nations. You can contribute here.
The generator was handed over to the Kyiv University thanks to the cooperation of KNU Rector Volodymyr Bugrov and Vice-Rector for International Relations Ksenia Smyrnova. University staff will put it into operation in the very near future.
The management of Taras Shevchenko National University of Kyiv stated that the new generator "is not just technical equipment, but a light in dark times, warmth, and the opportunity to continue working and helping people even during power outages." The Ukrainian side also thanked Palacký University and its Czech partners for their important support and emphasised that solidarity and interest from abroad are extremely valuable in these difficult times: "We feel that we are not alone – that we have reliable friends who are lending a helping hand. Together we are stronger."
Palacký University has long supported Ukrainian students and academics and is involved in activities to support the attacked country. The successful collection for the generator is another concrete step that confirms the university community's belief that responsibility and solidarity are fundamental values of the academic environment.