NADRA GROUP has made a significant contribution to the development of geological education in Ukraine, where there are a total of 11 specialized higher education institutions (HEIs).
Continued partner collaboration is maintained with the Institute of Geology at Taras Shevchenko National University of Kyiv (Kyiv National University), the Department of Geology at Ivan Franko National University of Lviv, National University 'Yuri Kondratyuk Poltava Polytechnic', Ivano-Frankivsk National Technical University of Oil and Gas, the Department of Geology, Geography, Recreation, and Tourism at V.N. Karazin Kharkiv National University, and the Department of Geology and Geography at I.I. Mechnikov Odesa State University, as well as professional colleges in Kyiv, Poltava, and Drohobych.
NADRA GROUP's collaboration with HEIs includes staff training and retraining, research, production, and innovation activities to enhance the infrastructure of HEIs and train highly qualified specialists in the field of Earth sciences. In addition, NADRA GROUP provides personal support and encouragement programs for promising students, which includes internships and opportunities for employment at NADRA GROUP after they complete their specialized education.
The Department of Geology at Taras Shevchenko National University of Kyiv (Institute of Geology) is supported through various methods. Outstanding geology students receive corporate scholarships, which are non-refundable financial aids awarded by decision of the Board of Directors of NADRA GROUP, the founder (donor) of the scholarships. In addition, substantial charitable financial aid is granted to geology students during practical training, including fuel, payment for student accommodation, meals, field equipment, and other necessary expenses.
The Department of Geology at Taras Shevchenko National University of Kyiv (Institute of Geology) received support from NADRA GROUP for the renovation and computer equipment of four classrooms, as well as the establishment of a dedicated auditorium named after Professor O.L. Einor.
The Geological Museum of Kyiv University underwent a comprehensive reconstruction, and its grand reopening took place on November 27, 1998. The premises were repaired and refurnished, a video hall was added, and the museum interior was redesigned. This renovation enabled the creation of electronic collections, optimization of the existing exhibition fund, and the replenishment of exchange funds. As a result, the renovated museum became a prominent highlight and an honor of the Department of Geology.
Numerous students from specialized higher education institutions have completed internship programs at NADRA GROUP companies and defended their diploma theses using the materials obtained during their internships. The best graduates from different generations have successfully worked, and continue to work, at NADRA GROUP enterprises. The practical experience gained during internships has helped transform young specialists into high-level professionals, providing them with opportunities to work not only in Ukraine but also in other countries worldwide.
Geology is a complex profession that requires deep and comprehensive knowledge, and the formation of a true specialist takes many years following graduation. The influence of a good mentor on a geologist's formation is significant and cannot be overstated. Mentorship is essential in helping young professionals improve their skills and boost their professional self-esteem. NADRA GROUP's mentoring activities contribute to the formation of worthy professional successors who can continue to uphold the standards and values of the geological profession.
NADRA GROUP representatives take an active part in job fairs held by industrial organizations and research institutions for students and graduates of the Institute of Geology and the College of Geological Exploration Technologies at Taras Shevchenko National University of Kyiv to recruit promising staff. The events provide opportunities for students to meet with industry professionals, make individual contacts, and exchange information.
Sikorsky Challenge Open Innovation Ecosystem Support Programme at the NTUU “Kyiv Polytechnic Institute named after Igor Sikorsky”
In 2017, NADRA GROUP became a member of the Sikorsky Challenge Project, which is unique for Ukraine. This innovative ecosystem was created at the National Technical University of Ukraine "Kyiv Polytechnic Institute named after Igor Sikorsky". NADRA GROUP was among the sponsors of competitive events focused on the use of cutting-edge technologies in natural resource management.
Sikorsky Challenge is an open innovation ecosystem bringing together the country's institutions interested in the development of Ukraine's innovative economy: universities, research institutions, public authorities and local self-governments, businesses, foundations, and public organizations. The Sikorsky Challenge Innovation Ecosystem is a model and driver of high-tech innovative development of Ukraine's economy.
NADRA GROUP is actively involved in organizing and providing material support for the All-Ukrainian scientific and technical competition for students "Eco-Techno Ukraine". The competition is held at the National Technical University of Ukraine "Kyiv Polytechnic Institute named after Igor Sikorsky" as part of Sikorsky Challenge, with the aim of identifying and supporting gifted students in various fields of science and technology, helping them integrate into the international scientific community, and promoting scientific and technical research. Every year, over 500 8-10th grade students from all regions of Ukraine participate in the competition.
The Eco-Techno Ukraine competition includes various areas of study such as cell and molecular biology, microbiology, life sciences, earth and environmental sciences, chemistry and biochemistry, environmental engineering, and chemical engineering (Eco module), as well as mathematics, physics, astronomy, engineering, energy, and information technology (Techno module). During the three-day event, schoolchildren, together with their supervisors, present their projects. Those who focus on the efficient and rational use of natural resources, recycling, and related topics are eligible for special valuable prizes awarded by NADRA GROUP.
Cooperation programmes with secondary education institutions
Geology contributes to the realization of all United Nations Sustainable Development Goals, without exception. Supporting the prestige of Earth sciences and STEM disciplines (science, technology, engineering, and mathematics) among young people will have a significant impact on the environmental priorities of future generations.
The younger generation is increasingly focused on the social responsibility of businesses and prefers to engage with companies that prioritize people and the environment. NADRA GROUP puts forth considerable effort into building civil society and promoting a conscious attitude among young people towards the planet, its resources, and wealth, while the company's profits are always aligned with high standards of environmental conservation and safety. The company is aware of its responsibility for the direct and indirect impact it has on social, environmental, and economic systems. It aligns its activities with the Sustainable Development Goals and is guided by the 5P principles (People, Planet, Prosperity, Peace, and Partnerships) to foster a peaceful, connected, and prosperous future for the planet and its people.
One of NADRA GROUP's priority social responsibilities is to educate young people on the importance of caring for the environment, promote the attractiveness of STEM careers, particularly in the field of geology, and enhance the prestige of professions related to the study and use of natural resources. NADRA GROUP collaborates with secondary education institutions such as schools, colleges, and out-of-school education institutions to shape the professional self-determination of students in the field of Earth sciences.
To achieve this goal, NADRA GROUP organizes information and education programs for upper-grade students in the regions where it operates, including career guidance meetings, geological classes, and motivating children to participate in academic competitions.
The main partner of NADRA GROUP in such activities and the implementer of the vast majority of projects is the PO "Ukrainian Association of Geologists".
Since 2001, the Ukrainian Association of Geologists has implemented the vast majority of projects aimed at reviving the children's and youth geological movement in the country. The Association carries out educational activities targeted at young people through school geological and environmental education, as well as by organizing and supporting (paleontology, geology, and geological local lore) clubs and vocational schools. Additionally, it publishes popular science literature aimed at adolescents.
It is worth mentioning that between 2001 and 2010, NADRA `GROUP organized the participation of children's teams in national and international geological academic competitions for schoolchildren.
NADRA GROUP, in collaboration with its partners, implements various projects as part of its educational activities, including:
- "Earth Depths Spiritual Depths", an educational project to lay the groundwork for a natural science and ecological worldview among student youth (over 100 events since 2011: quests, festivals, quizzes, scientific conferences, field trips, field competitions, and more);
- Special course "Fundamentals of Geology" for schools with an in-depth study of natural-cycle disciplines. Developed in 2012, the course has been successfully implemented in 10 schools in Kyiv.
- ENGIE-European project 'Encouraging Girls to Study Geosciences and Engineering,' which is set to run from 2021 to 2023."