Lectures from trenches: how university professor teaches on frontline

The professor recorded a video, especially for the UniverCheck educational travel project, and called on young people to enter Ukrainian universities

Fedir Sandor is a professor at the Uzhhorod National University. In peacetime, he taught the sociology of public opinion, the psychology of mass behavior, and philosophy. In wartime, he lectures on the same subjects but from the trenches.

From the beginning of russia's full-scale invasion, Fedir went to the army, and from April, he has been on the frontline. But despite the war, the man continued to teach his students.

"We got used to the Internet because of the pandemic. That's why nothing has changed for the students in this matter or me. Thanks to Starlink, the Internet is available at the front, and I got used to shelling. Only twice did danger force me into the dugout," the professor says.

The photo of Fedir lecturing from the trenches went viral worldwide. The man became a symbol of education and the grandeur of the Ukrainian people.

Before the war, Oleksandr Pedan's team came to Fedir's university to film. At Uzhhorod National University, the TV presenter filmed the UniverCheck educational travel project, which you can view at the link. With his daughter, an applicant, Oleksandr visited the university, called on the dormitory, walked around the city, and encouraged the viewers to enter the university and other Ukrainian universities. Professor Fedir Sandor also supported the TV presenter; from the front, he recorded a video address to the applicants, stating that studying in Ukraine is trendy and patriotic.

"My duty in peacetime is to be a teacher. In wartime, unfortunately, I am forced to take up arms and defend my family and my Motherland. I urge you to several pro-Ukrainian positions for which I, my fellow teachers, and students are fighting for freedom, free-thinking, and independence. Ukrainian education is one of the most famous. That's right, the most famous. Educated Ukrainians are gladly hired. It shows that our education is high-quality and necessary. Therefore, entering Ukrainian universities and studying with Ukrainian teachers and professors is a trend, right, and patriotic. Join Ukrainian universities, we're waiting for you, and we'll meet after the victory," the professor said.

"Today, more than ever, Ukraine needs educated young people who will build the country," says TV presenter Oleksandr Pedan. "Therefore, I consider it my mission to popularize Ukrainian education. If our UniverCheck project can convince and inspire at least a few young people, I will consider it a big victory."

You can watch UniverCheck from Lviv, Poltava, Dnipro, Uzhhorod, Vinnytsia, and Sumy on Oleksandr Pedan's YouTube channel by following the link.

Read Rubryka's daily timeline of war: current news on Ukraine's defense against russia's aggression.