Caerphilly school builds links with Ukraine through project
Tir-y-berth Primary School in Caerphilly is one of four Welsh schools selected to take part in the UK-Ukraine School Partnerships Programme, a British Council initiative funded by the UK Government.
The programme connects 100 schools, 50 in the UK and 50 in Ukraine, using a shared love of reading to foster cultural understanding, build resilience, and support emotional wellbeing.
Tir-y-berth Primary School has partnered with Lysychansk School No. 1 in eastern Ukraine.
Through the project, Year 5 and 6 pupils are jointly reading Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone, with chapters divided between schools.
Ysgol Gynradd Gymraeg Pontybrenin in Swansea is also taking part in the initiative.
The schools have exchanged pen portraits, recorded videos teaching each other Welsh and Ukrainian greetings, and now meet regularly online for joint sessions.
Tir-y-berth teacher David Farmer said: "We wanted to give reading a real-world purpose and let our pupils connect with a different culture.
"We also wanted our pupils to understand what children in other countries are going through and to help support them in a meaningful way."
Teachers from both Welsh schools met their Ukrainian counterparts in person earlier this year during a British Council visit to Poland, where they exchanged ideas about using reading to support wellbeing and build resilience.
Many Ukrainian schools continue to face disruption due to the ongoing conflict, and pupils are often learning in challenging conditions.
Mr Farmer added: "The experience so far has been humbling - this is our first international project and our pupils have never done anything like this before.
"It's helping them see beyond their own community, and they're taking real pride in sharing their culture and language.
"It's also been incredibly rewarding - not just for the children, but for us as teachers.
"It's opened our eyes to how enriching and powerful these connections can be."
The UK-Ukraine School Partnerships Programme is part of the broader UK-Ukraine 100-Year Partnership, a long-term commitment to deepening cooperation in education, defence, trade, and community ties.
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