The University of Warwick and the Ukrainian Leadership Academy have joined forces to create a pioneering programme which aims to help rebuild the country’s education system.

The Ukrainian Education Rebuilding Summer School will support 40 outstanding Ukrainian participants to deliver transformative change in education and leadership in their country.

Running from September 9th to 15th, the programme will offer a blend of on-campus and online learning, led by Warwick experts.

Addressing critical post-war challenges, including school system transformation, student well-being, trauma support and effective leadership strategies, the initiative aims to support a fast and effective rebuilding of Ukraine’s education system.

It comes as the latest project of the University’s ongoing support for those impacted by Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, including the twinning with Kharkiv National University of Radio Electronics (NURE), funding several visiting professor positions, 15 scholarships for Ukrainian Leadership Academy students and a two-week summer school programme hosted by the English and History departments (pictured).



The programme's launch will feature insights from the Ukrainian Ministry of Education, who will join the session virtually. Dr Bo Kelestyn, Programme Director and founder, and Professor Gwen Van der Velden, Programme Co-Lead, will oversee the Summer School.

Vice-Chancellor Stuart Croft said “This initiative underlines our long-term commitment to supporting Ukraine both now and when the country finally rebuilds after the invasion.

“Every aspect of life in Ukraine, including education, has been turned upside down by the war. We believe the best way we can help our Ukrainian friends is through sharing our expertise and knowledge to help the country recover and rebuild their education sector in the future.

“And that’s why we hope this programme will be valuable, practical and genuinely transformational. We look forward to welcoming the participants to Warwick.”

Dr Bo Kelestyn said: “As a Ukrainian member of staff and Warwick alumna, I am delighted and honoured to be leading on this work. From our initial conversation with the Ukrainian Leadership Academy in May 2022, to the launch of this Summer School programme in September 2023, we leaned on principles of co-creation that are a core part of Warwick's DNA.

“I have been overwhelmed by the generosity and support from Warwick colleagues, and I am really looking forward to growing the partnership with this face-to-face engagement with educational leaders from Ukraine.”

Professor Gwen Van der Velden said “It is an honour to be involved in this programme. As in any country, a strong and inclusive education is key to a nation’s successful and peaceful future.

“Warwick has enormous expertise and knowledge to contribute to Ukraine’s agenda for reform of education and finding colleagues are so willing to support the programme is heartening.

“Our Ukrainian colleagues are also teaching us so much already and I have no doubt the programme will be a success for everyone involved.”

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Notes to Editors:
For media inquiries and interview requests, please contact:
Bron Mills
Bron.mills@warwick.ac.uk

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