The Potsdam Service Clubs donated the proceeds from this year’s benefit concert to the University of Potsdam’s emergency fund. The Mayor of Potsdam, Mike Schubert, together with representatives of the service clubs, presented a check for EUR 5,000 to the Vice President for International Affairs and Fundraising at the University of Potsdam, Prof. Dr. Florian Schweigert.
Shortly after Russia’s attack on Ukraine in February 2022, the university set up an emergency fund to support Ukrainian refugees who, due to the war, were unable to continue and successfully complete their studies without financial support. On the other hand, researchers from Ukraine receive a bridging grant and are thus quickly integrated into the German science system.
The donations were collected at the 20th benefit concert of the Potsdam service clubs, which was held in August 2022. Artists from Italy, Ethiopia, Great Britain and Germany played music for a good cause. The 5,000 euros collected will now flow directly to young people who were deprived of the opportunity to study or do research in their home country because they had to flee from war and destruction.
Young musicians earned 5000 euros
“Even if you are in a foreign country now, you should be able to continue your education here in safety,” says University Vice President Florian Schweigert. “It is important to be able to interact with students and researchers in this way. Our partnership with the Precarpathian National University in the Ukrainian city of Ivano-Frankivsk is another step in this direction.”
In addition to the emergency grants, the university has now launched further support. Students who have fled Ukraine receive, among other things, free guest auditorships and a UP Conference Account, which offers them a place to work so that they can continue their studies digitally.
Scholarships and guest auditorships for students from Ukraine
The university provides funds for online teaching assignments for scientists affected by the war. This gives them the opportunity to temporarily continue their work in a safe working environment and to make new work contacts and networks. In addition, funds are allocated to student projects, such as the “Learn German UP” project, which are committed to the diverse needs of the refugees.
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