Ukrainian young people explore mathematics and banking in Zwickau!

Ukrainian young people explore mathematics and banking in Zwickau!

Chemnitz University of Technology is actively committed to refugee students from Ukraine. In the summer semester of 2022, a support program was launched that provides for the payment of semester fees for up to 40 refugee students. The Society of Friends of Chemnitz University of Technology e. V. is providing a total of 10,800 euros for this purpose. Rector Prof. Dr. Gerd Strohmeier emphasizes the importance of concrete aid measures for Ukrainian refugees, while Dr. Peter Seifert, chairman of the Friends' Society, sees this support as a humanitarian matter of course.

So far, around 190 prospective students from Ukraine have registered at Chemnitz University of Technology, eleven of whom are already enrolled. These initiatives come at just the right time, as refugees are often confronted with complicated administrative procedures and language barriers that make integration into society difficult. This is illustrated by the situation of refugees, who often have had negative experiences with authorities and therefore harbor mistrust. These challenges must be taken seriously, especially for refugee minors without family support.

Excursion of the math circle

On February 27, 2025, the Ukrainian math circle from Chemnitz University of Technology took place on an excursion to Sparkasse Zwickau. About 20 Ukrainian youth took part in this event. The excursion was led by Dr. Serhii Stasyuk, Zhijun Büttner-Chen and Prof. Dr. Vladimir Shikhman organized. The math circle, which was launched in March 2024, offers Ukrainian refugee children in grades 8 to 12 the opportunity to deepen their mathematical knowledge in their native language.

Dr. Stasyuk, himself a refugee from Ukraine, comes to Chemnitz University of Technology from the National Academy of Sciences in Kyiv and is supported by the Alexander von Humboldt Foundation's Philipp Schwartz Initiative. The excursion to Sparkasse Zwickau, organized by Zhijun Büttner-Chen, a TUC graduate, included a lecture on “Mathematics in Banking”. Topics such as interest rate risks and the valuation of options were covered, giving the young people valuable insights into the financial world.

Insight into the banking world

During a four-hour program, the participants also gained insights into how the Sparkasse works. They discussed customer support, digitalization as well as training opportunities and internships. A visit to the Sparkasse Zwickau's own museum rounded off the excursion. Most of the communication took place in German, which required additional explanations to promote exchange. Feedback from participants was consistently positive. In particular, 14-year-old Andrii Nikolaichuk expressed a desire for further excursions.

These developments show that the Chemnitz University of Technology, together with committed partners, not only offers academic support, but also provides practical experience and thus significantly promotes the integration of refugee students. Such initiatives are of great importance as they help to break down existing language barriers and offer refugees a perspective in their new environment. The challenges faced by refugees should not be underestimated, but such programs make the path to a new life easier.