In a Mother's Words

A letter from a parent in Ukraine on the comfort a safe school provides during a crisis

My name is Nataliya Gordienko. My children, Anna and Makar, have been at Academy of Wisdom since 2018. After the first day of school, they hurried to class with joy to be with their friends and teachers. They love school!

We were in limbo for two weeks after the outbreak of full-scale war in February, 2022. It was difficult to plan our future because our home was under Russian occupation and we were evacuated to western Ukraine. Despite the challenging circumstances, the school resumed classes quickly. It was remote learning, but it allowed the children to reunite, concentrate on their studies, and fight for their future.

Teachers work despite displacement, temporary salary cuts, blackouts

We are grateful to Academy of Wisdom for waiving tuition fees during that time. It was a tremendous help to our family. Our children continued to receive an education from the best teachers, who, in times of danger, provided children with quality classes and a sense of normalcy.

Even when the blackouts began in October, teachers did not abandon their students. They called, wrote, and, most importantly, recorded the lessons so the children could learn when we had daylight and internet access. It is impossible to overestimate the work of a teacher; they worked at night so the children could review the lessons during the day because of electricity outages.

School-sanctioned gatherings offer calm settings for connection

I am also grateful to the school for hosting gatherings of students and teachers every month during this dark and cold winter. My children were able to meet with their friends, talk, give hugs, play games, and do interesting research. They always left these gatherings happy and inspired. I never stop thanking God and the staff for providing my children with the opportunity to get an education and feel safe during this difficult time. These are miracles from God.

…

Read our Q and A with school director, Alina Tolbas, published a few months after the invasion. View a short video of Academy of Wisdom students in a remote learning session in 2022.

Top Photo: Anna and Makar Gordienko