‘It's been exciting and meaningful': Co Antrim pupils partner with Ukraine school near frontline
Kilmoyle Primary School in Ballybogey has been selected to take part in the UK-Ukraine school partnerships programme.
The school has 10 Ukrainian pupils, and its principal wants to open local children's eyes to the wider world.
Engaging in weekly video calls, activities and projects, Kilmoyle has partnered with Pershotravensk Gymnasium No3, located in northeast Ukraine.
In addition, they celebrate events like Easter with activities and photos.
Kilmoyle Primary School principal Jeff Scott wants to 'deepen the connection' with the international school.
'We've always been interested in international partnerships,' he said.
'When we welcomed 14 Ukrainian pupils in May 2022, our school began to change. Before then, we were a small, rural, predominantly white school.
'The arrival of Ukrainian families into our community brought real diversity.
'We've worked hard to support their integration through dedicated English-language lessons and cultural inclusion.
'Even now, we have two Ukrainian children in our nursery — siblings of those already enrolled — and they'll be starting P1 this year.
'So, when this project came up, it made complete sense for us. We already had the community and this was a way to deepen that connection.'
Nazar (10), a P7 pupil at the school, said the partnership has helped him 'feel connected' to his homeland.
He explained: 'I came to the UK from Ukraine when I was six, and so I wasn't really that interested at first because I thought I already knew all about Ukraine.
'But once the project started, I began learning so much — about both countries, about the language and about what we share. I've really enjoyed working with the school in Ukraine.
'We exchange presentations and show each other what life is like where we are. It's been exciting and meaningful. I don't remember home very well, but this project helps me feel connected. I really hope the partnership continues.'
Holly (10), also a P7 pupil at the school, added: 'It was fascinating to learn about their culture and see how their school life differs from ours — the things they do that we don't, and the things we have that they don't.
'I especially liked learning about their Easter traditions. The most surprising part was finding out they have water fights after Easter. That was completely new to us.
'My favourite part has been seeing what they enjoy and being able to share what we like too.'
The UK-Ukraine school partnership programme, run by the British Council Northern Ireland, was launched to mark the 100-year agreement between the two nations.
The government-funded programme has drawn 750 applications from UK schools.
Around 3,000 pupils and 100 teachers are currently involved in the programme.
Kilmoyle was one of five schools from Northern Ireland selected to take part.
In February, staff attended a residential training and networking event in Poland alongside 15 UK and 15 Ukrainian schools.
Mr Scott spoke of the disruption Pershotravensk faces each day because of the war.
'We learned not just about Ukraine's education system, but also how to support children dealing with trauma and how to foster a love of reading through collaborative projects,' he said.
'We also had time to get to know our partner school and begin planning the first phase of our project, which is creating a programme to foster a love of reading and help children learn about one another's cultures.'
Mr Scott also said he was 'struck' by how often staff at the school in Ukraine are interrupted by air-raid sirens and emergency evacuations.
Despite this, staff try to maintain a sense of normality through their work with Kilmoyle.
'What struck me most was how high their expectations are for maintaining normal school routines, even with the constant disruptions of war,' said Mr Scott.
'Teachers mentioned that air-raid sirens go off multiple times a day and they have to move all the children to the basement.
'That level of disruption has become normal for them.'
Jonathan Stewart, director of the British Council in Northern Ireland, said the UK-Ukraine school partnership programme has been a valuable initiative.
'This programme shows the power of schools to build real connections, even in the most challenging times,' he said.
Biden calls Trump's pressure on Ukraine 'modern-day appeasement'
'Kilmoyle PS have not only embraced the partnership, but are also leading with empathy, creativity and a genuine desire to connect.
'Through books, presentations and shared experiences, pupils are building meaningful relationships that will stay with them for years to come.
'It's a powerful reminder of the role international connections in education can play in fostering understanding and hope.'
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