Dutch Experience for Building Ukraine: Professor Sybe Schaap met with the students of the Faculty of Humanities and Pedagogy of NUBiP of Ukraine

     On February 20, 2020, a well-known Dutch philosopher and politician, Sybe Schaap delivered a lecture to international students and graduate students of the Department of Philosophy of the Faculty of Humanities and Pedagogy. Sybe Schaap is a Dutch politician and philosopher, Professor at the Free University of Amsterdam and Charles University of Prague. He is the author of many philosophy books that have been translated into German, Russian and Ukrainian. In addition to his philosophical work, he is the president of the Union of Water Boards and the Committee on Genetic Modification, a senator and a member of the the VVD parliamentary party in the Upper House.

    Professor Schaap sees great potential in Ukraine's agro-sphere. The lecturer presented the success story of the Netherlands, which began seventy years ago, during a difficult post-war period. At that time, the state came up with two recovery concepts: step-by-step reforms and comprehensive cooperation. The government initiated the reforms. The formula for the success of the Netherlands comprised the following algorithm: first, agricultural institutions were created, then applied science was developed, then the laws on industry reforms were implemented, and finally, foreign markets were opened and partnerships with other countries were strengthened.

   The Dutch experience has convinced the audience that the development of agricultural education is one of the most important factors in the cultural and economic development of the country. According to the lecturer, not only professional, but also philosophical competence of agricultural workers, which contributes to the destruction of outdated mental stereotypes and counteracts inertia, plays a huge role in the development of the society. Competition and cooperation, persistence and consistency are essential for the successful development of Ukraine's agriculture. Professor Schaap believes that we should begin with education and science, which must necessarily include both applied and fundamental components. Applied sciences will be supported by business entities, while fundamental sciences, of course, need public funding.

   The lecturer stressed that Ukraine is worthy to join the EU. It is quintessential to start working hard, consistently implement reforms, overcome corruption, and focus on strong competitors. After all, the essence of competition is mutual development.

   Students and graduate students had a great opportunity to address questions to Professor Shaap. They were interested in various aspects of his professional career, from education and science to genetic modification and environmental issues. Finally, Shaap wished Ukraine not to be afraid of any problems, as they should be seen as new challenges.

    It should be noted that students, graduate students and teachers of the Faculty of Humanities and Pedagogy demonstrated not only a broad knowledge of current socio-political problems, but also a high level of English.

    The fruitful exchange of scientific and pedagogical experience contributed to the expansion of the outlook of all participants of the meeting and became the next step towards the development of international cooperation of NUBiP of Ukraine.

Kateryna Solodka,
2nd-year student, majoring in International Relations

Valentyna Kultenko,
Associate Professor of the Department of Philosophy of the
Faculty of Humanities and Pedagogy