A Ukrainian School Program for Displaced Ukrainian Students
Program Guide
T o g et h er We act for peace
Why this matters? According to UNHCR over 4.3 million children are amongst the refugees displaced by the war on Ukraine since the end of February. “The war has caused one of the fastest largescale displacements of children since World War II. This is a grim milestone that could have lasting consequences for generations to come. Children’s safety, wellbeing and access to essential services are all under threat from non-stop horrific violence.” UNICEF Executive Director Catherine Russell The “School within a School” model aims to support children through their healing and mitigate long-term affects which can be caused by the prolonged trauma of displacement. By providing a school setting, in their language, in a safe and loving environment, we believe the world can help to build a generation of Ukrainians who can recover and thrive once more. Ukrainian refugee children can join the host country educational system, however, without some proficiency in the host language they will not have access to the full educational program. Children may initially suffer adaptation stress, receive little academic growth and building important social connections will be a challenge. The UN together with the Ukrainian Ministry of Education are offering an online Ukrainian schooling option. For children in this situation, this does not give them the vital in-person support which can help them heal and immerse themselves in their continued personalized learning. We are committed to partnering with our colleagues around the world, to help you establish a similar program in your schools. The three key ingredients are children, teachers and space, these combined with your resourcefullness will make a hugely positive impact. If you have the capacity to accommodate students into a Ukrainian face to face learning environment in your institution it can serve to help in the following ways: Keep children up with the Ukrainian state curriculum to avoid gaps in their learning Help children reintegrate into the Ukrainian educational system when they are able to return home. Allow families to build a community while being displaced from their home This program helps to unite the host school community around an emergent need through: Assisting persons facing a crisis Volunteering their skills to enrich the Ukrainian children’s education Modeling service in action to the students Modeling inclusiveness and being part of a global community
How can it work? Main Objectives To provide National Ukrainian Education in a face to face environment, closely related to a real school environment To help Ukrainian students and families to connect and build a community
Essential Roles A Ukrainian educator to manage the school and coordinate the curriculum A Ukrainian speaker to keep records, sign up families and follow on-boarding and attendance Native Ukrainian teachers, ideally a ratio of 1:10 children. Advert notices can be posted through local social media support groups. An example is available in the resource pack. Host school liaison to work with the Ukrainian staff and ensure safety protocols are communicated
Communication coordinator who can help with fundraising, communicating supports needed, advertising for assistance.
Coordinator from host school to organize activities/enrichment schedule and communicate with host school volunteers
Ideas of Courses offered English as an Additional Language Ukrainian History Geography Maths Science Ukrainian Language and Literature Arts – Art, Drama, Music, etc. PE Other additional enrichment programs where possible (including counselling, SEL conversations, film making and activities such as STEAM)
Orientation The day before the start of school, parents and students are invited to an orientation. During the orientation families will learn about the program being offered. They will learn about the school and what the “School within our School” program can offer for their families. Further, they will learn about GDPR guidelines, sign up procedures, and attendance procedures. Please see resource pack for a sample presentation.
Sample Time Table 11:30 - 11:45
Students arrival to campus (Outdoor Playtime)
11:45 - 12:15
Lunch
12:15-12:55
Activities or English
13:00-13:40
Period 1
13:45-14:25
Period 2
14:25-14:55
Break
14:55-15:40
Period 3
15:45-16:30
Activities or English
16:30-17:30
PE/Swimming/Sports
The “School within our School” will occur on the same days that host school classes are held. It can also have the same holidays to enable respite for the teachers, though childcare can be considered for working parents. The “School within our School” can have classes on host school PD days.
Example Master Schedule
The master schedule is responsive and not fixed. Lessons can be shifted based on the availability of volunteers. Courses may also shift based on the opportunity for Ukrainian students to engage with host school students.
Curriculum Resources The Ukrainian government has provided textbooks and curriculum resources online. Other resources in the Ukrainian language are provided online for free. In the resource pack you can find links to these resources:
Other Resources Many organizations are offering help and assistance. It is important to find reliable resources that will be a benefit. In the resource pack below is a list of reliable resources for assistance to Ukraine and displaced Ukrainians.
Meals Lunch and healthy snacks should be provided to all students by the host school. The school can also provide named water bottles for the students to access water through the day.
Student Information A database of all student information should be created and maintained by the Ukrainian records coordinator. Information included can be: Full names of students Full names of accompanying parents/ guardian Local Address Contact information especially emergency contacts Medical conditions Allergies Other important information (GDPR Permissions) GDPR guidelines will be followed for all information collected. Parents will also be asked for GDPR permissions for photos, videos, etc by completing the GDPR permissions form. A sample contract is available in the resource pack.
Entry into the School Students and parents can receive general ID badges indicating their admission into the Ukrainian school program. They will scan in and out of the school facilities the same as any other student/ parent. Security should be briefed as per the school protocol.
Volunteers Volunteers are essential to help this program run smoothly. Volunteer teachers and students can provide lessons, assistance, enrichment activities, social interactions, and so much more. Having a list of volunteers that can be pulled from allows flexibility and avoids having any one person do too much. Volunteer duties can include: Monitoring students during breaks and recess times Getting teachers items they need for the lesson Helping to monitor students Having conversations, taking walks, or other strategies to aid with a student that might have difficulty Contacting the host school liaison for immediate assistance if there are any major concerns or difficulties Parents who also serve as substitutes at the host school or who have an organizational background may be suited to serve in this role. Russian/ Ukrainian speakers are a great benefit.
Safeguarding Regulations Any adult working at the “School within a School’’ is expected to follow all of the host school’s safeguarding policies and procedures. The safeguarding lead should meet with all adults to explain the policies and procedures as part of the on-boarding process. Adults will need to complete the “School within a School” code of conduct (linked in the resource pack) acknowledging that they understand the policies and procedures and will follow them.
Fire Alarms and Intruder Drills The host school fire alarm/ intruder alert routes and procedures will be used Volunteers will be given detailed information on these procedures.
Family Support; the Shop Donations of clothing, food, hygiene and other items can be collected by the host school community to support the families’ needs. A “shop” with clothes, household items, toiletries and non-perishable food items can be set up on campus. Families can go to the shop each day at pick-up to collect items that are needed. Providing families with some dignity and control during this time is important. The shop should be in a location they can easily access without many others around. Further, the “School within a School” registration person can collect sizes and needs for the students. These can be provided regularly to the host school community so they can donate specific items.
Financial Supports and other Resources The school can establish a fundraising account that is used to support specific charities and organizations associated with the response to Ukraine. A Ukraine Response Committee can be set up to help monitor the funds and make decisions on the use of the funds. The funds can be used for 2-3 organizations each week, one of which is the school to help support the Ukrainian teachers, families and provide needed supports.
The committee can include the following positions: Service Learning Coordinator: Official school liaison with the local community, works on border supply needs, coordinates student involvement Building Manager: Works with partner organizations and coordinates transport to the border/ partners. Liaison for others dealing with organizations. MS Counselor/Safeguarding Lead: Coordinating housing and support for refugee families, Ukrainian ‘School within a School’ program safeguarding training and social/ emotional guidance Advancement Director: Communication to the host school and wider community, supporting ‘School within a School’ model, organizing requests from parents, PR and SLT liaison Student Rep: Coordinate with other student groups and also bring ideas from the students to the committee The committee meets each week. They can decide what support is needed for that week and decide on allocation of funds, communication with the community, collections, and other tasks for the week.
Have we missed anything? Is there anything we can include here that we might have missed? Please let us know. We would appreciate if this becomes an evolving and collaborative project. We have plans to set up an interactive website where members can share ideas and help grow the program world-wide for the duration that it is needed and helpful. Contact/ Feedback Ideas : sws@aisb.hu
Resource Pack Logo Orientation Presentation Sample Orientation Video Example sign up sheet for adults on campus Example sign up sheets for students Example survey for parent community Example advert for teachers Example sign up sheet for specific days and times based on the school’s schedule Example SWOS Code of Conduct Ukrainian Curriculum Resources UNICEF online learning for Grade 5-11 Ukrainian Children’s Ebooks
Ukrainian Text Books English Language Acquisition with Ukrainian Support and other World Languages (free access provided by emailing lucas@languagenut.com) Support resources
Thank you for considering this meaningful way of supporting Ukrainian children at this time. We look forward to joining forces with you.
#StandWithUkraine