Summer History School: A Shared Heritage of Ukraine and Lithuania. Five days, four cities, 30 participants.
From August 18 to 22, 2025, an international educational project titled «Summer History School: Dialogue of Youth from Ukraine and Lithuania» took place in Vilnius, Kernavė, Trakai, and Medininkai, aimed at strengthening Ukrainian-Lithuanian ties, fostering academic collaboration, and developing an active civic stance among youth.
Young people and scholars from both countries explored the history of the Grand Duchy of Lithuania, worked with archival sources, attended lectures by leading scholars, and examined archaeological sites during field trips.
A particularly impactful lecture was delivered by Professor Borys Cherkas on «Military Affairs in the Grand Duchy of Lithuania», held in the Great Hall of Vytautas the Great at Trakai Castle.
The main objectives of the school included:
- Engaging youth in understanding shared historical processes, particularly from the 14th to 16th centuries;
- Familiarizing them with contemporary research and primary sources;
- Creating a platform for academic exchange, scientific collaboration, and intercultural dialogue;
- Identifying areas for future research and joint initiatives.
«I realized that Lithuania was more of an ally to Ukraine than an invader. During this period, Ukrainian culture and the Orthodox Church managed to preserve themselves despite external threats,» shared one of the participants.
This project is not only about the past; it is an investment in the future. The results of the school will be utilized to create a digital archive of materials, a series of publications, and organize new international educational events. The project has been implemented by Hryhorii Skovoroda University in Pereiaslav in cooperation with the Lithuanian Institute of History and Vilnius University, supported by the Ministry of Youth and Sports of Ukraine as part of the youth exchange project competition between Ukraine and Lithuania in 2025.
