🎓 When Ukrainian English teacher Taisa joined the ENGin for Educators program, she brought more than her 48 years of teaching experience — she brought remarkable resilience and unwavering dedication. Taya teaches at Lysychansk Lyceum №8, a school from the now-occupied city of Lysychansk in eastern Ukraine. 😔
💔 Since the occupation, her students have been displaced — scattered across Ukraine and abroad. The war has taken a visible toll on their emotional well-being. Many face anxiety, stress, and sadness, struggling to adapt to unfamiliar surroundings and disrupted routines.
🇺🇦 Yet, one powerful truth remains: these students refuse to give up their connection to home. Despite the distance and trauma, they remain deeply committed to their school. Most continue their education at Lysychansk Lyceum, studying online even from foreign countries. While they engage in clubs and competitions in the places they now live, they have little interest in attending local schools. Their hearts — and their studies — stay with the school and teachers they’ve known and trusted all their lives.
👩💻 Through ENGin for Educators, Taisa was matched with Ellen, a retired philosophy professor from Florida, who had been searching for a meaningful way to personally support Ukraine. What followed has been nothing short of extraordinary.
🌟 Not only has Ellen supported Taisa’s professional development and confidence in English, but she also joined Taisa’s online English classes. There they engaged in conversation regarding the USA, covering geography, politics, education, and culture. Taisa’s students — aged around 16 — were captivated.
💬 “At first, they were reluctant to speak and a bit hesitant,” Taisa said. “But as the lesson progressed, they seemed to forget about the language barrier. They were engaged, curious, and excited. Many told me it was one of the most memorable lessons they’ve ever had.”
🌠 For Ellen, the experience has also been just as life-changing:
💬 “I believe that I now have a better understanding of Ukraine and the bravery of
Ukrainians, as well as their determination to contribute to the strength of their country. This is a perspective I could never get from the news even books about Ukraine: it’s the real conversations with both educators and students that I am learning from. I’m also happy to support my two educators, Alla and Taisa, in their teaching.
Overall, I can say that this program turned out to be extremely satisfying and fun; my educators needed a bit of moral support and I’m so glad to be there for them. It’s a very meaningful way to help Ukraine, but it has really helped me, too, getting to know them and the students I’ve met.
This act of volunteering enriches all of our lives, so I hope more American educators and professors will join in! I highly recommend the program and love the people I’ve met.”
💙💛 This is the power of ENGin4EDU — proving that even small connections can create a huge impact.
🫶 A heartfelt thank you to Nova Ukraine for making this powerful work possible through your generous support.
