Aalto's support during the war in Ukraine

Petri Suomala, Vice President for Education at Aalto University, says: 'Recent events and the war in Ukraine are affecting the well-being and sense of security of us all. For people in the midst of a crisis, the situation is downright unsustainable, with the war taking its toll on work or study. Especially in a situation like this, we at Aalto have the opportunity not only to support each other but also to show in a concrete way our concern for those suffering from the war.'

How can I help?

Ukraine and its borders are in dire need of assistance at the moment. The UN estimates that some 12 million people will be in need of help in the coming months and that the number of people fleeing to neighbouring countries in need of help could reach millions.

Many want to help those affected by the war. Financial assistance should be directed to well-established, experienced and reliable aid organisations with experience in dealing with public authorities and other aid organisations in crisis situations. They have storage space, distribution channels and networks through which to find help. Aid organisations also know best what kind of supplies help is needed most at the site. Through established organisations, money is most likely to get there and not end up in the pocket of organised crime.

Below are a few ways how you as an individual can help those suffering:

Red Cross
Web: you can help by donating to disaster relief fund
Phone: call 0600 12220 (20.28 € + local network charge)
SMS: send SPR20 to number 16499 (20 €)
Mobilepay: number 10900
Bank transfer: OP FI52 5000 0120 4156 73 (recipient: Red Cross, reference number 5186)

Unicef
Web: Help protect children in Ukraine  
SMS: send UKRAINA to 16110 (20 €)Mobilepay: number 33742

Pelastakaa Lapset (Save the Children Finland)
Web: you can help by donating to emergency fundraising
SMS: send UKRAINA20 to 16499 (20 €)Mobilepay: number 5557
Bank transfer: Nordea FI64 1017 3000 2107 27 (reference UKRAINA)

Alumni network calls alumni to help Ukraine

The alumni community at Aalto University has expressed strong support for Ukraine and Ukrainians, and the board of the alumni network is gathering ideas from alumni to help those in need.

Kaj Hagros, Chairman of the Board of the Aalto University Alumni Network, is pleased with the abundance of initiatives: ‘It is heartening to see alumni posting help initiatives on the discussion thread the alumni board created. We hope that many more have joined the suggested charities and other ways to help. Following this post, we also received direct feedback and additional suggestions, for instance by the Ukrainian Association in Finland who called for help in arranging transportation for refugees and create employment opportunities in Finland. These can also be found on the thread.’

More information on Aalto website Learn more about help initiatives and add your ideas and suggestions to the chain

Want to support students from Ukraine?

Read about donating to our Ukraine fund

Aalto helps and supports

We strive to help those affected by the war in many different ways. Below are examples of our actions. The list will updated.

• We have ensured that the work and studies of Aalto’s Ukrainian employees and students will not be interrupted during the war. We are also in contact with Russian and Belarusian members of our community to provide support.
• Learning services have increased service hours to help both Ukrainians and others in need.

• The financial situation of many Aalto students has become or will become more difficult due to the war. We are currently investigating forms of financial support for those students.

• We have offered study places and scholarships to Ukrainian students studying at Ukrainian universities as well as degree students who have received asylum from Ukraine. We received more than 100 applications and have offered a place to study to 59 students, 29 of whom have said that they would accept the offer. Most of these students will begin their studies in August, but a few are already taking part in summer studies. Plans are under way to provide them with special orientation and tutoring.
• We are also offering researchers forced to leave Ukrainian universities due to Russia’s invasion the chance to continue their academic work at Aalto University. The application process for one-year visiting scientists’ positions continues, and a few researchers have already started their work. See the recruitment announcement here.  
• The Aalto University Open University is offering studies without tuition fees for Ukraine citizens. The studies may be taken until 31 July 2023. 

If you need any support

• Should you face any problems or questions arising from the situation at work or during your studies, please write to [email protected]. A multi-professional team will read and treat all messages from students and staff on a confidential basis.
• The staff may also contact occupational health care or the HR Services of their school or unit.
• Students may contact the Finnish Student Health Service (FSHS), the learning services of their school or the Starting Point of Wellbeing.