Thousands of school children across the UK and Ukraine have
applied to take part in a landmark 100 Year Partnership programme
between the two countries, further cementing the unbreakable ties
between the two countries.
Following the launch of the UK-Ukraine 100 Year Partnership in
January, more than 750 schools from across the UK and Ukraine
applied to take part in the programme, fostering classroom
friendships, cultural understanding and inspiring future
generations of world leaders, diplomats and business leaders.
Thirty schools, including Number 219 School in Kyiv and All
Saints Catholic Primary School in Anfield, who the Prime Minister
joined a lesson between during his visit to Ukraine in January,
have piloted the hugely successful programme.
A further 70 are being paired in the coming days, while the
remainder will be supported through the British Council's
UK-Ukraine School Partnerships programme until further spots
become available.
Children from several schools participating in the 100 Year
Partnership school twinning programme will visit Downing Street
tomorrow (Friday 25 April). The children, from YGG Pontybrenin,
St Marie's Catholic Primary School & Nursery and English
Martyrs Catholic Primary School, will write letters to exchange
with partnered schools in Ukraine, many of whom have spent hours
attending school in bunkers during Russian drone and missile
attacks.
The children will also mark the launch of a new commemorative
stamp, designed by both the UK and Ukrainian governments, which
will be entered into circulation by the Ukrainian postal service
Ukrposhta from the end of this month.
Prime Minister said:
"The unbreakable bond between the UK and Ukraine is often best
reflected in the friendships formed among our children. These
young minds are the architects of our future and security,
fostering connections that transcend borders and cultures, and
this partnership will deliver brighter futures for children in
both countries.
“Our support is not only about providing military assistance,
which remains crucial in ensuring Ukraine's ability to defend
itself, but also about standing by Ukraine for generations to
come, as it seeks a just and lasting peace.
“That's why our support matters not only now, but for our future,
as all ages stand up for the values we hold dear, which are
fundamental to our national security and Plan for Change.”
This unique initiative supports schools to build lasting
international partnerships, and explore reading as a tool to
expand horizons, build confidence, and boost mental wellbeing.
In Kyiv, the British Embassy's Chargée d'affaires, Charlotte
Surun, attended the official launch ceremony of the new
limited-edition stamp at the headquarters of the Ukrainian Post
Office.
The launch was attended by children from Kyiv School Number 219
which the Prime Minister visited in January. The children wrote
messages on postcards to the students at their twinned school,
Liverpool All Saints, as well as messages to the Prime Minister
and Foreign Secretary.
Head of UK Schools at the British Council Shannon West
said:
“Creating opportunities for young people has been at the heart of
the work of the British Council for the last 90 years.
“We are delighted to be working with so many schools on this
programme, which will give young people the international outlook
and skills to thrive in our global society and strengthen ties
between the UK and Ukraine.”
The unbreakable bonds between the UK and Ukraine have been
formalised through the landmark new 100 Year Partnership between
the two countries, broadening and deepening the relationship
across defence and non-military areas and enabling closer
community links, such as this initiative.
Supporting Ukraine to defend itself from Russia's barbaric
invasion and rebuild a prosperous, sovereign future, is vital to
this government's foundation of security and our Plan for Change.
ENDS
Notes to editors:
- Further information on the UK-Ukraine 100 Year Partnership
can be found here.
