16/07/2026
We’re excited to report that our 2026 Summer Schools initiative is now well under way!
So far, 18 groups of Ukrainian children, displaced by the war and now living in the UK and Ireland, are already at summer school programme places donated by educational institutions across the countries, and many more will start shortly.
The experiences these children receive are invaluable to both their present and future. The educational programmes, which cover history, maths, arts and more, are taught in immersive English, setting up a successful educational future for these children who have fled the war.
But it also gives them permission, in the present, to dream of that future: because only half of displaced Ukrainian children can speak English, many struggle to make friends here in the UK and Ireland, and their parents – nearly all single mothers – work multiple jobs at once, isolating the children at home.
We’ve already heard back from one parent about her daughter’s time at Wi******er College:
“I want to express my deepest gratitude to the Brightseeds project for my daughter’s incredible two weeks! When we applied, we didn’t even dare to hope for something of this scale. My daughter returned from the camp with her eyes shining, a bunch of new friends, and most importantly, absolutely no fear of speaking English!
This experience has proven that education can work wonders even in the most difficult times. The program breaks down borders, gives Ukrainian teenagers faith in themselves, and opens doors that previously seemed closed. This is the best investment in the mental health and future of our youth!
Summer Schools is an amazing project that gives Ukrainian children a ticket to the future!”
In the photos seen here are some of the 55 students already enjoying summer school across the UK and Ireland. We can’t wait to see how the rest of the summer unfolds.
