Yesterday, Ukraine celebrated the International Day of Education in a new reality created by the full-scale invasion. Hundreds of destroyed and thousands of damaged schools, millions of children forced to flee their homes, and the constant threat of air and missile strikes – this list of challenges for Ukrainian education is far from complete. However, Ukrainian educators persevered – no matter what, they continue to teach new generations of citizens and contribute to the victory of Ukraine.
In this issue of our newsletter, we want to celebrate the courage and resilience of Ukrainian teachers, share the latest updates in the field of education and the civil society sector, and offer you some fresh opportunities for activists. Engage in our traditional read!
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Russia`s unprovoked and unjustified aggression against Ukraine has disrupted education for millions of children. According to the Ministry of Education and Science of Ukraine, 3051 educational institutions have suffered bombing and shelling, and 420 were destroyed. The impact of war has also changed parents` top concerns about education. The Osvitoria survey revealed that almost half of the parents (49%) indicate the safety of children during face-to-face education as their top concern, and 26% worry about mental health. 57% say that the psycho-emotional state of their child changed during the war but currently stabilized, while 25% notice it became worse. At the same time, most parents believe that schools provide enough psychological support (62%) and communication (84%).
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Civil Society News
USAID/ENGAGE and Osvitoria Launch an Online Course to Help Educators Organize Effective Wartime Teaching
Since Russia launched its full-scale invasion, Ukrainian educators have faced the unprecedented challenge of organizing effective teaching during wartime. To help them adapt and respond to the new reality, USAID/ENGAGE and Osvitoria created an online course “Real Learning.” Course participants will learn how to talk to children about tough subjects, support their psycho-emotional state, and develop civic competence. The course materials are already available on the O. University platform.
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SavED Charitable Foundation Helps to Rebuild Schools Damaged During War
SavED Charitable Foundation continues the needs assessment from educational institutions to ensure access to education in territories affected by war. In particular, the SavED team contributed to the restoration of school No. 20 in Chernihiv badly damaged due to shelling. Activists organized a fundraiser and engaged international partners to renovate the computer science and chemistry classrooms. See the story about the organization`s efforts at the link below.
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Civil Society Experts Visit Japan to Advocate for Enhanced Support for Ukraine
On January 12-18, the New Europe Center and the International Center for Ukrainian Victory (ICUV) held an advocacy visit to Japan following the country`s G7 presidency. Activists held meetings with state policy-makers, businesses, and leading experts to advocate the importance of enhanced support for Ukraine on its path to victory and during reconstruction. The experts also spoke at a roundtable discussion in the Japanese Parliament and joined a press conference at the National Press Club.
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All-Ukrainian Association of Musical Events Awarded for Promoting Social Cohesion at Music Events
On January 18, the All-Ukrainian Association of Music Events received the Take a Stand Award for its Music Saves UA and Atlas Festival initiatives at the European Festival Awards. The results were announced at the ESNS Music Conference in the Netherlands. The award honors political and social activities and initiatives by European festivals that encourage mutual understanding, peaceful dialogue, humanity, tolerance and citizen participation.
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Democratic Initiatives Foundation and Razumkov Center Study the Attitude of Ukrainians Towards the National Memory
Most Ukrainians (73%) positively assess the collapse of the Soviet Union. This is one of the conclusions of the sociological survey conducted in December 2022 by the Ilko Kucheriv Democratic Initiatives Foundation and the Razumkov Center. Also, 73% of respondents approve of the state’s decision to condemn the USSR as a communist totalitarian regime, and 59% support the renaming of toponyms associated with the Russian Federation, USSR, or Russian Empire.
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Gender Zed Debunks Stereotypes About the LGBT+ Community During Wartime
Why are homophobic arguments a set of stereotypes and prejudices? Is there a gene for homosexuality? Why should we protect LGBT+ people? Watch a new episode of the Gender Zed YouTube show “Gay Propaganda” to find answers to these questions and learn more about the latest events and updates of the LGBT+ world.
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GoGlobal to Host a Conference on the Impact of War on Educators
GoGlobal invites you to join the practical online conference “Educational Front. Unspoken” on January 27-28, 2023. The CSO will present a study of the impact of war on educators and will hold panel discussions on how to overcome the challenges faced by Ukrainian teachers and students. Please register to join the event.
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Opportunities
New Opportunities: USAID/ENGAGE is Looking for Qualified Specialists
We have updated the list of vacancies on the USAID/ENGAGE website! New opportunities include Senior Strategic Communications Advisor, Grants and Contracts Assistant, and Inclusion Program Officer. Click on the link to view all opportunities and do not hesitate to apply! Follow the updates on our website in the “Opportunities” section.
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USAID/ENGAGE’s Grants Competition Remains Open for Applications
Since the outbreak of Russia’s unprovoked and unjustified invasion of Ukraine, civil society organizations faced major challenges. To support them, USAID/ENGAGE launched an adapted rapid response grants mechanism for civic initiatives that address the urgent needs of the Ukrainian people. Interested organizations can submit their applications until May 15, 2023. Click on the link below to learn more on our website.
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Netherlands Embassy Announces 2023 Human Rights Fund Call for Concept Notes
The Embassy of the Kingdom of the Netherlands launched Human Rights Fund (HRF) in Ukraine to help civil society organizations that promote freedom of the media, support women’s and minority rights, and tackle discrimination. Ukrainian CSOs that work for the cause can apply for the HRF`s funding by submitting concept notes by February 6, 2023.
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What We Read
2022 for Education: Most Important Events
The full-scale war launched by Russia against Ukraine paralyzed the educational process in the first few days. Some Ukrainian cities fell under Russia`s occupation, while many children and their parents escaped abroad or changed their place of residence within Ukraine. In such unprecedented conditions – under missile strikes, air alerts, in constant stress, and sometimes even under fire in frontline territories – educators managed to mobilize efforts and enable students to complete the academic year and pass admission tests. Push the button below to read more about the main events of 2022.
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