The announcement of the 100-year partnership between Ukraine and the UK is hugely welcome (UK to back Ukraine ‘beyond this terrible war’ with 100-year pact, says Starmer, 16 January). A critical aspect of this war, we must not forget, is its daily and long-term impact on the Ukrainian people, their cultural sector, education and way of life.
The British Council will be a committed contributor to the partnership. We play a key role in the UK’s support for recovery and reconstruction by investing in the preservation of Ukraine’s culture and educational assets, expanding the use of English, and supporting thousands of Ukrainian English language teachers’ professional development. Our education programme, UK-Ukraine School Partnerships, is part of the partnership, with 50 UK schools paired with 50 Ukrainian schools, giving students aged between seven and 14 and their teachers the chance to connect with their peers and bring an international perspective into the classroom.
The British Council has worked in Ukraine for the past 30 years. The next step in our relationship is to support and rebuild Ukraine’s cultural and education systems so that the Ukrainian way of life endures and thrives long into the future. In doing so, the British Council sends a message that the UK stands in total solidarity with those furthering access to education and promoting open, democratic societies as a means of securing peace and prosperity for all.
Scott McDonald
Chief executive, British Council
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