Mariupol University and International Partners Launch the SPARK Project

On October 6, 2025, the online kick-off meeting of the international project “Supporting Penitentiary Advancement through Reflection and Knowledge about Linguistic and Cultural Diversity (SPARK)” took place. The project is implemented under the Erasmus+ programme (action Cooperation Partnerships in Higher Education).

The initiative aims to strengthen cooperation between universities, civil society organizations, and institutions working in contexts of deprivation of liberty, focusing on overcoming linguistic and cultural barriers in education, mediation, and social reintegration.

The event brought together representatives of universities and organizations from Italy, Spain, Estonia, and Ukraine, including the project coordinator — University of Genoa (Italy), and partners — University of Alcalá (Spain), Estonian Academy of Security Sciences (EASS), San Marcellino ODV (Italy), and Mariupol State University (Ukraine).
MSU was represented by Professor Andriy Stoyka, the project coordinator.

At the opening of the meeting, Professor Mara Morelli, coordinator of the project from the University of Genoa, emphasized:

“We are beginning a three-year journey together — an adventure of knowledge, reflection, and cooperation across borders and professions.”

She also expressed gratitude to all partners for their engagement and noted that the strength of SPARK lies in its people — “those who work together, learn from one another, and build a community of trust and growth.”

During the meeting, partners presented their teams, discussed the project management structure, work packages, and a shared activity timeline.
Special attention was paid to the creation of national working groups, which will include students, educators, social workers, interpreters, and penitentiary professionals.
Participants also addressed approaches to academic publications, open educational resources, and dissemination strategies.

By the end of 2025, partners will form national teams and prepare a series of interdisciplinary seminars.
In early 2026, the first international seminar will take place, focusing on methods of cultural and linguistic mediation in educational and social initiatives within contexts of deprivation of liberty.

The SPARK project will run until August 2028.