We are a British-Ukrainian non-profit organisation that provides free lessons of English to Ukrainian children affected by the war.
Our students are children who have lost their homes as a result of missile attacks or fled their home towns after russian occupation. Those whose parents are serving in the Ukrainian armed forces or have lost their parents.
After Russia’s full-scale invasion, the Ukrainian education system has faced unprecedented challenges. Hundreds of schools have been destroyed, damaged, or left in occupied towns.
Millions of families have been displaced within Ukraine, and thousands of teachers have fled abroad. Lessons are frequently interrupted by air raid alerts, forcing children and teachers to take shelter. Many children now study in two shifts, while teachers remain at schools 8–10 hours a day to keep education going.
With staff shortages and limited funding, many schools-especially in smaller towns—struggle to provide high-quality education. Parents and carers who have lost their jobs cannot afford additional courses or tutoring for their children. Many young people have a parent serving in the army, and far too many have lost a parent to the war.
As refugees who arrived in the UK after the invasion, we understand more than ever how vital English is for children’s futures. It opens doors, creates opportunities, and gives them the skills they will need in a rapidly changing world.
They cannot wait for better times. Their education cannot wait.
'According to the latest survey data, up to 57% of teachers report a deterioration in students’ Ukrainian language abilities, up to 45% report a reduction in mathematics skills, and up to 52% report a reduction in foreign language abilities'.
Unicef. August 2023
