16/05/2026
A powerful act of hope through language, culture, and community 🧡
Halyna arrived in the UK as a refugee in March 2022 after fleeing the war in Ukraine. Leaving behind her home, work, and the life she had built was incredibly difficult. In her own words, she felt that “everything was in the past and you have to start almost from scratch.”
Back in Ukraine, Halyna worked as a Ukrainian language teacher. Soon after arriving in the UK, she felt a strong need to reconnect with her community and support other Ukrainian families going through the same experience. She realised that even in a new country, she still had something valuable to give.
That is when Halyna came to us with the idea of running Ukrainian lessons for children. Since then, she has been volunteering every Saturday, carefully preparing lessons and teaching children not only the Ukrainian language, but also its culture and traditions. For many families, this connection to their roots is deeply important, helping children stay connected to who they are and preserve their identity.
Through her dedication, Halyna has created a space of belonging, connection, and pride for these children and families. Her story is a powerful reminder that even after loss and displacement, people continue to rebuild, support one another, and keep hope alive through community and culture 🧡
