Over 60 Ukrainian schools receive energy aid through UWC IECC initiative

The International Educational Coordinating Council (IECC) of the Ukrainian World Congress (UWC) has launched a relief campaign for Ukrainian schools under the “Warmth for Ukraine” initiative, providing emergency support to over 60 schools across Kyiv, the surrounding region, and Odesa.

In total, 64 schools received generators, portable charging stations, power banks, solar panels, and other equipment donated by Ukrainian schools abroad.

Support came from representatives of Ukrainian schools in France, Belgium, the Czech Republic, the U.S., Canada, Japan, Spain, Italy, Lithuania, Estonia, Germany, Poland, Ireland, the U.K., Australia, and Austria.

“I know the conditions under which Ukrainian schools operate around the world — often in makeshift facilities and on a volunteer basis. I also know about their many educational needs. That’s why I am endlessly grateful to the diaspora communities that, during Ukraine’s most critical time, managed to unite around this important national cause despite their own challenges,” said Lyuba Lyubchyk, chair of the UWC’s IECC.

School representatives in Ukraine expressed deep gratitude for the support, noting that it allowed them to continue teaching during power outages and air raid alerts.

“We sincerely thank you and your school community for your support and assistance. Your gift is not only a source of energy for our educational work, but also an energy that warms hearts and inspires faith in a brighter future,” said Nadiia Klymenko, Principal of Lyceum No. 105 in Kyiv.

“During this difficult time of war, initiated by Russia against Ukraine, such support is extremely important. The equipment we received will help maintain the educational process and create safe and comfortable conditions for students and teachers,” said representatives of Kyiv Lyceum No. 30 “Ekonad.”

Lyubchyk emphasized that this unity among Ukrainians is a true example of sobornist — national togetherness.

“Sobornist is when more people volunteer to help than there are schools on the list. Sobornist is when someone in Ukraine tells me, ‘It’s wonderful that you, the diaspora schools, exist for us,’ and I reply, ‘It’s wonderful that we have each other.’ As long as we stay united, we are unstoppable,” Lyubchyk said.

As part of the UWC’s Energize Ukraine campaign, hundreds of people worldwide joined the initiative. Individuals can make targeted donations at https://energizeukraine.com, with instructions available for making contributions via special bank transfer.