The University of Warwick has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Ukrainian Leadership Academy and the Ministry of Education and Science in Ukraine. The move underlines the deep and growing links between Ukraine and Warwick.

The MoU was signed last week by Stuart Croft, Vice-Chancellor of the University of Warwick, and Ivanna Kurtyk, Deputy CEO of the Ukrainian Leadership Academy to conclude a pioneering programme for educational leaders, founded by a Ukrainian academic at Warwick. The MoU travelled to Kyiv and was signed by the Minister of Education and Science, Oksen Lisovyi.

The programme, called Leadership for Educational Transformation and based at the School of Education, Learning and Communication Sciences (SELCS) welcomed 40 education professionals from the war-torn country to the University of Warwick campus this month.

The MoU will provide the foundation for more funding and for welcoming more cohorts of educational leaders to Warwick. There were more than 250 applicants for this summer’s cohort.

Running from September 9 to 15, it was an important milestone in a joint initiative by the University of Warwick and the Ukrainian Leadership Academy to address critical post-war challenges, including school system transformation, student well-being, trauma support, and effective leadership strategies.

The programme is just part of the University of Warwick’s ongoing support for those impacted by Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, including the twinning with Kharkiv National University of Radio Electronics and 15 scholarships for Ukrainian Leadership Academy students.

The University is also funding several visiting professor positions, the latest being Dr Vita Dumanska, the leader of Ukraine's political watchdog CHESNO, who will work with colleagues from across the University, including Warwick Business School and Warwick Institute of Engagement.

Michael Scott, Pro-Vice Chancellor (International) said: “This collaborative initiative signifies a profound commitment to advancing educational cooperation on an international scale, strengthening academic ties, and nurturing the development of visionary leaders in both countries.

“I believe that this partnership will facilitate the exchange of knowledge and ideas and empower the next generation of leaders to address global challenges with the highest level of professionalism and expertise.”

Dr Bo Kelestyn, the Founder and Director of the Leadership for Educational Transformation Programme, said: “Like every Ukrainian I wanted to find a way to contribute, to stand with Ukraine and to do what I can to bring our victory closer.

“As a Ukrainian member of the Warwick staff and alumna of the University of Warwick and WBS, I wanted to engage the Warwick community of educational leaders in helping Ukraine transform its education post-war.”

Ivanna Kurtyk of the Ukrainian Leadership Academy said: “The Summer School was a sign of our appreciation for the work my Ukrainian counterparts do every day, no matter how difficult the circumstances are, as they continue not only keeping the Ukrainian educational institutions running but also thinking about their development.

“I think it was a great success. The participants built up connections between themselves and British colleagues. Some of those connections are already turning into joint projects. It was a week full of insights and inspiration for all participants.”

ENDS

Notes to editors
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