On 17 November 2025, the first stage of the XVI Taras Shevchenko International Language and Literature Competition for School and University Students took place at the Kremenchuk Flight College of the Kharkiv National University of Internal Affairs.

The event began with an introductory speech by the organiser, senior teacher of the Department of Management, Social Sciences and Humanities, and Fundamental Disciplines, Vira Siora, who welcomed all those present and emphasised the importance of this event in promoting the work of the great Kobzar, developing the creative abilities of the participants, fostering patriotism and deep respect for the national heritage.

Deputy Director of the College for Educational and Scientific Activities Olena Tsymbalistova and Head of the Department of Management, Social Sciences, Humanities and Fundamental Disciplines Maryna Kiriukhina joined in greeting the participants, thanking them for taking part in the competition, because Ukraine is Shevchenko, Shevchenko is Ukraine, and the revival of Ukraine and its spirituality is impossible without studying Shevchenko's heritage.

The senior teacher and host showed the audience a video about the life and work of the famous Kobzar, created by means of artificial intelligence, emphasising that we simply do not exist without Shevchenko. Those present at the event (the administration, representatives of the International Relations and Interuniversity Cooperation Group, the Scientific Activities Organisation Department, members of the jury, and students) enjoyed the recitation of Taras Shevchenko's poem ‘It Makes No Difference to Me’ by second-year student Oleksandra Oliinyk.

After reviewing the contest papers, the jury selected the winners, who were students from the Pdsr-25-1b study group:

1st place – Anastasiia Kyrylova;

2nd place – Dmytro Ustymenko;

3rd place – Artem Khomenko.

We thank all participants of the first stage of the competition, congratulate the winners and wish them further success, inspiration and achievements in the next stages of the competition! We encourage young people to engage with the work of this brilliant poet, because to learn about Shevchenko is to learn about history, to think about Shevchenko is to live Shevchenko, and to continue his immortality within oneself.