Reading partnership for UK and Ukraine schools

Schoolchildren reading.

As part of a century-long collaboration between the UK and Ukraine, the new UK-Ukraine School Partnerships will help build cross-cultural understanding and forge lasting links between the two countries.

The programme has the support of children’s author Michael Morpurgo and current Waterstones laureate Frank Cottrell-Boyce, and is a move to aid Ukraine’s recovery in the education sector. Children in the UK have had their education disruption by Russia’s war, and so the project will initially see 50 British schools matched with 50 Ukrainian schools on a year-long reading project. Delivered by the British Council and the National Literacy Trust, the project will allow children of both nationalities to share stories from their own culture and explore the joys of reading.

Schools will be selected from all four nations of the UK between and January and when the scheme launches in late spring.

Education secretary Bridget Phillipson said: “I was lucky to be gifted a love of reading as a child. That opened so many doors for me that would have otherwise been closed. Reading brings new perspectives and builds empathy, and it can help children facing adversity make sense of their own experiences. That’s why this partnership is so important.

“Getting more children reading for pleasure is a key part of our Plan for Change, and our work to drive high and rising standards across education by giving children the best start in life. Children in Ukraine have faced things most of us can’t comprehend, but through sharing our stories we can build a collective understanding of our two cultures, creating lasting ties between school communities that will benefit pupils on both sides for years to come.”

The National Literacy Trust found that children who read are three times more likely to have higher levels of mental wellbeing, as well higher pupil attainment, better general knowledge, as well as encourage empathy for others. This international partnership will thus broaden horizons and promote a better understanding of global issues.

Prime minister Keir Starmer said: “Reading is so much more than education, it broadens horizons, nurtures creativity, and provides hope and light in uncertain times.

“The resilience of the Ukrainian people is incredible. I’ve seen first-hand how learning and reading helps maintain a sense of normality for Ukraine’s children and young people, who have faced unimaginable adversity as they live, learn and play under bombardment.

“As part of our historic 100 Year Partnership with Ukraine, we’re enriching the cultural connections between our young people, fostering closer ties now and into the future.”

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