U.S. International Development Finance Corporation (DFC) CEO Scott Nathan today signed a $460,000 technical assistance grant to support Ukrainian Catholic University (UCU) in western Ukraine. DFC support will enable UCU to expand online learning and update curriculum offerings to include new courses for students focused on addressing conflict needs and post-conflict recovery.
“I was privileged to visit the Ukrainian Catholic University today and see its remarkable resilience in the face of Russia’s brutal war,” said DFC CEO Scott Nathan. “DFC is proud to continue our support for the University as it expands access to education and focuses on the kind of training that can help Ukrainians rebuild their country.”
“The faculty, staff, and students of UCU have demonstrated true resolve, resilience, and solidarity in the face of Russia’s continuing war against Ukraine,” said U.S. Ambassador to Ukraine Bridget Brink. “We look forward to continuing to work together as UCU prepares the next generation of leaders working to build Ukraine’s free future.”
“UCU has played an important role in providing shelter for students, internally displaced people, and volunteers during the war as well as a place to begin planning efforts to rebuild Ukraine,” said UCU Rector Father Bohdan Prach. “We are grateful to the American people for their strong support of Ukraine, particularly to DFC, whose financing has helped support UCU. We look forward to further fruitful collaboration because we are stronger together.” Even as Russia’s war of choice continues in Ukraine, DFC is engaging with the private sector companies, the Ukrainian government and those of its allies, as well as international financial institutions, to identify ways to provide financial support to Ukraine now and during the country’s recovery and reconstruction following the war.
The technical assistance builds upon a $6.2 million loan DFC provided UCU in 2019 and will position the University to best serve students and Ukrainian society during the ongoing conflict and eventually through post-conflict recovery. It will also enable UCU to modernize its operating systems, delivering a higher-quality educational experience to its students.
U.S. International Development Finance Corporation (DFC) partners with the private sector to finance solutions to the most critical challenges facing the developing world today. We invest across sectors including energy, healthcare, critical infrastructure, and technology. DFC also provides financing for small businesses and women entrepreneurs in order to create jobs in emerging markets. DFC investments adhere to high standards and respect the environment, human rights, and worker rights.
