UAntwerp sets up fund for Ukrainian refugees
University shows active solidarity with victims of Russian war violence
More and more civilians are fleeing the Russian war violence. As the need to accommodate war refugees from Ukraine keeps increasing, the University of Antwerp has decided to set up a special fund to provide assistance and shelter to students, lecturers and their families.
UAntwerp stands for peaceful cooperation and tolerance across borders. The university wants to offer support to its Ukrainian and Russian colleagues and students. Although we cannot take away their understandable concerns and their sorrow, we will provide psychological, administrative and practical support to anyone who requests it.
Fund and pool of volunteers
The University of Antwerp is also setting up a special fund to provide accommodation and assistance to students, lecturers and their families in the Antwerp region. Students, staff and alumni can make a donation to the University Fund with the reference 'Help Ukrainian Universities'.
'We want to help both students and staff members of Ukrainian universities and members of the Russian academic community who condemn the aggression against Ukraine,' said Rector Herman Van Goethem.
There will also be a need for well-coordinated material and psychological support, both for refugees and for those providing shelter. That is why UAntwerp wants to create its own pool of volunteers. Students and staff members can register, after which they can be contacted with very specific questions about material and psychological support.
Active solidarity
'The University of Antwerp stands shoulder to shoulder with the victims of the Russian war violence in Ukraine,' says Rector Van Goethem. 'Even though we are fairly powerless in the face of what is happening over there, let us show active solidarity with the victims through these initiatives. We keep hoping for a soon end to this crisis.'