Educational assistance to Ukrainian children who ended up outside their home country due to the war is one of the most important areas of support for Ukrainian refugees. Since the beginning of Russia’s full-scale aggression against Ukraine, millions of people have been forced to leave their homes, seeking safety in other countries. Among them is a large number of children who need to continue their education in order not to lose touch with their native language, culture and education system. That is why a school for Ukrainian children was opened in the British city of Malvern, in Worcestershire, Great Britain.
Opening of the Ukrainian school in Malvern
Thanks to the efforts and support of the Union of Ukrainians in Great Britain (UUU) and the local branch of this organization, a school for Ukrainian children was opened in the British city of Malvern, in the county of Worcestershire. It was an important step in creating a favorable educational environment for children who fled the war and their families who found refuge in Great Britain.
SUB, which is one of the oldest and most active Ukrainian diaspora organizations in the world, has been actively supporting Ukrainian refugees since the beginning of the war and providing assistance in various fields, including education. In its official statement on its Facebook page, the organization expressed its gratitude to the many local residents who supported the opening of this school. In particular, the help of people such as Jenny and Terry Griggs, Paul and Claire Hetherington, Alison Maddrell, Elaine Fraser, Liz Johnson, Olga and Andriy Krajewski, Joel Turton, Carol and Julian was acknowledged. Thanks to their active participation, this project became a reality.
In addition to education, the school provides psychological support and adaptation to new realities. Providing Ukrainian children with the opportunity to receive quality education in their native language is also an important component. This not only provides them with the continuity of the educational process, but also helps to preserve the national identity, culture, traditions and connection with Ukraine. In response to these needs, Ukrainian diaspora organizations and various international initiatives are actively creating Ukrainian schools abroad to support children in these difficult times.
An important role in the provision of educational assistance is played by Ukrainian communities around the world, in particular in the countries of Europe, North America and other regions where a significant number of Ukrainian refugees have settled. They come together, organize schools, provide teachers and resources so that children can continue their education. This not only gives children the opportunity to gain knowledge, but also preserves a part of Ukraine for them in the form of their native language, traditions and cultural heritage.
Cultural program and support of Ukrainian identity
An important aspect of this event was the fact that the opening of the school was accompanied by a bright cultural program in which famous Ukrainian artists and public figures took part. The laureate of the All-Ukrainian and International competitions Olga Yaremchuk, the owner of the “Golden Star” named after Kvitka Tsysyk, and the soloist Nazar Korhun performed their numbers, emphasizing the importance of Ukrainian cultural heritage for the younger generation. Storyteller and composer Alla Mygai, who is known for her numerous fairy tales for children of all ages, reciter of poems Ivan Piddubny and young singer Karolina Lukashchuk also joined the program. Their performances created an atmosphere of unity and pride for their native culture, even thousands of kilometers from Ukraine.
In addition, a choreographed dance performed by Victoria Cherkaska added to the festivities and demonstrated that Ukrainian culture and traditions remain alive even in the difficult conditions of war and emigration. The participation of the head of the Ukrainian community in Worcestershire, Oksana Viktorova, and the ensemble of the Ukrainian community emphasized the importance of this event for the entire local Ukrainian community.
The importance of opening Ukrainian schools abroad
The opening of a school in Malvern is just one of many examples of how Ukrainian communities abroad help their compatriots in times of crisis. Such initiatives are important because they not only provide learning opportunities, but also create a platform for communication, mutual support and preservation of cultural and national values.
Ukrainian children who were forced to leave their homes due to the war need a special approach and support. For many of them, returning to the usual educational process is difficult due to psychological trauma and adaptation to new conditions. In such schools, children can not only receive an education, but also feel supported by their community, preserve their national identity and learn their native language, which is an important part of their self-identification.
Educational assistance to Ukrainian children abroad is an important step in preserving national identity and providing support to those who need protection and care in difficult times. Initiatives such as the opening of Ukrainian schools are evidence that, despite difficult circumstances, the Ukrainian nation continues to stand united, supporting its children and providing for their future.
