Letters from Bucha: teachers working amidst conflict send stories of struggle and gratitude

Letters from Bucha: teachers working amidst conflict send stories of struggle and gratitude November 16, 2023 Emily Klooster Ukraine Our goals: Promoting peace Providing opportunity Countering extremism The Russian invasion of Ukraine forced students and staff at Academy of Wisdom in Bucha to scatter and later regroup as they resumed classes. Here are notes of […]

Classes continue despite missile strikes in Ukraine

Classes continue despite missile strikes in Ukraine July 12, 2023 Emily Klooster Ukraine Academy of Wisdom in Bucha, Ukraine, is planning to launch a new school year after losing 110 students to displacement and no end in sight to the war with Russia.  “Russian news says that their army is more successful,” said Alina Tolbas, the […]

Ukrainian teachers persevere despite ongoing attacks

Ukrainian teachers persevere despite ongoing attacks January 23, 2023 Emily Klooster Lebanon Thanks to you, we raised almost $6,000 to ensure Ukrainian students can access their teachers remotely or in person through the winter, despite Russia’s onslaught.  Promoting peace Providing opportunity Countering extremism Students continue to learn remotely except for the youngest children, who take […]

Ukrainian students return to school in Bucha

Ukrainian students return to school in Bucha November 22, 2022 Emily Klooster Ukraine The Russian invasion of Ukraine forced students and staff at Academy of Wisdom in Bucha to scatter. Many student families had already fled an invasion in eastern Ukraine five years prior; this is their second displacement. TSI sent urgent funds in spring […]

Ukraine’s New Reality: a Q and A with Alina Tolbas

Ukraine’s New Reality: a Q and A with Alina Tolbas July 20, 2022 Emily Klooster Ukraine When Russia invaded, Ukrainian teachers and students scattered. Since then, they’ve found ways to connect online. We interviewed a school director about her experience since that day in February, and how supporters like you are helping. Promoting peace Providing […]

Ten Million Displaced in Ukraine

Ten Million Displaced in Ukraine March 16, 2022 Emily Klooster Ukraine The United Nations reports that over ten million people have fled the Russian invasion of Ukraine. They are traveling to neighboring countries to the west, primarily Poland, Romania, Slovakia, Hungary and Moldova. Smaller numbers have gone to Russia and Belarus. Packed trains have been heading to […]