UzhNU Political Science Master’s Students Presented Public Policy Projects for Community Development
As part of the course “Project Management in the European Union,” taught by Myroslava Lendel, Professor at the Department of Political Science and Public Administration, master’s students majoring in Political Science presented their public policy projects aimed at community development and increasing civic participation. The course was designed to teach students how to plan and implement projects, as well as develop public-oriented initiatives with practical significance for local communities and various social groups.
The presentation was attended by invited guests, including Halyna Loboda, Head of the Department for Euroregional Cooperation of the Zakarpattia Regional State Administration; Oksana Sviezhentseva, Head of the International Relations Office at Uzhhorod National University; Nadiia Kichera and Valentyn Burkalo, Associate Professors at the Department of Political Science and Public Administration; Viktoriia Sichak, Project Manager at the International Relations Office; and Anastasiya Lendel, Leading Specialist at the Information and Publishing Center and participant in international projects. All invited experts have practical experience in project implementation, which enabled them to objectively evaluate the students’ projects and presentations, particularly the innovativeness of the ideas and the quality of project design, as well as ask questions and provide professional recommendations.
The presented works covered a wide range of topics. For example, the project “Reducing Youth Labor Migration from Ukraine” aimed to create paid internships for IT students in order to improve their employment opportunities in Ukraine and reduce youth emigration abroad. Another project, “SmartShelter: Transforming Safety Spaces into Multifunctional Coworking Hubs,” combined safety functions with opportunities for education and work, creating modern spaces for civic engagement.
Students also presented initiatives focused on strengthening local democracy and political participation. The project “Enhancing Political Participation among the Residents of Uzhhorod” included information campaigns, public consultations, and interactive platforms enabling citizens to actively influence decision-making processes. Another initiative, “Increasing Political Literacy among Youth,” aimed to develop critical thinking, information analysis skills, and the ability to form well-grounded opinions among students and school pupils through lectures, training sessions, and election process simulations.
Particular attention was drawn to the project “Tools for Reducing Conflicts of Interest in Urban Planning in Zakarpattia,” which proposed the creation of a GIS portal for transparent planning, automatic monitoring of local media, and the development of anti-corruption procedures. This initiative would help reduce the risks of conflicts of interest and strengthen public oversight in urban development processes.
The students’ presentations demonstrated their ability to apply theoretical knowledge in practice and develop projects with a real impact on community development. The projects reflected a high level of academic preparation, competence in planning, risk analysis, goal-setting, and monitoring systems, as well as the ability to integrate innovative technological solutions and communication tools.
The implementation of such practical assignments reflects Uzhhorod National University’s commitment to combining academic education with the real needs of the community. The course not only deepens students’ knowledge in project management and public policy but also helps shape future leaders capable of implementing innovative solutions and contributing to the development of Zakarpattia and the Uzhhorod community.
The Department of Political Science and Public Administration invites all applicants to the master’s program who successfully pass the Unified Entrance Professional Examination (EFVV) in Political Science and International Relations to apply for the Educational and Professional Program “Political Science,” where they will be able to acquire many modern competencies.
Anastasiya Lendel
Information and Publishing Center
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