Details: Thursday 15 February 2024, 14:00-15:30, Teaching Grid

Professor Gwen van der Velden (Executive Office)

Dr Bo Kelestyn (WBS)

This session gave attendees an insight into how Warwick colleagues are supporting Ukrainian educational leaders across the entire education sector (all levels) during war. The ongoing Russian invasion has caused substantial damage to the sector, led to the displacement of learners of all ages both within Ukraine and beyond, and created educational challenges no nation or education system would normally be prepared for. Yet, the Ukrainian sector shows incredible passion and hope and is crucial to the reconstruction of the nation.

Immediately after the invasion Dr Bo Kelestyn, Associate Professor in WBS, engaged with partners in Ukraine to see what Warwick might be able to do to support the education system and leaders in particular. Her work led to a partnership with the Ukrainian Leadership Academy and the Ukrainian Ministry of Education and Science. A programme for educational leaders was then developed under the academic leadership of Prof Gwen van der Velden, consisting of an initial Summer school and two further modules, allowing 40 participants to take a full Masters in Professional Leadership within the School of Education, Learning and Communication Sciences. The session provided some insights into the challenges these educators face and how Warwick colleagues are supporting their colleagues through these exceptional times.