Newcastle College calls on education sector to join programme helping Ukraine students

Newcastle College has ‘twinned’ with the Kryvyi Rih Applied College of Trade and Hotel and Restaurant Business to donate laptops to support remote learning and offer training sessions to Ukrainian college lecturers.

And bosses are now encouraging other colleges and education providers to explore how they can offer similar support.

The partnership was formed through the Ukraine Twinning Initiative, set up by Cormack Consultancy Group, in response to Russia’s invasion of the country.

Participating colleges and universities are asked to provide practical assistance that will help Ukrainian institutions come out of the crisis with added resources, skills and robust international experience.

Tony Lewin, executive principal leading on the partnership, said: “I am delighted Newcastle College is able to offer valuable and practical support to our colleagues in Ukraine during this difficult time.

“The area of Kryvyi Rih has been significantly affected by the conflict, so I am particularly pleased we have been able to donate a supply of laptops to help the college continue remote delivery to its students, at a time when they’re unable to be safely together on campus.

“This was a complex donation and colleagues in our IT department worked hard to navigate legal hurdles to ensure the college could receive the equipment.”

Vitaly Lysenko, head of the department of international relations, added: “The donation of 25 modern laptops was an invaluable contribution to our college; they were absolutely necessary for teachers and students.

“Some of the laptops were given to children from socially vulnerable groups and some to the educational hub of the college, so students could engage in practical classes.

“Our student and teaching family expresses its sincere gratitude for the support from Newcastle College.”

The Ukraine Twinning Initiative is intended to be a long-term programme, and Newcastle College is exploring ways it can expand the support it offers to partners.

Tony added: ““Our ultimate aim is to give students and staff positive experiences that will have impact beyond the current conflict.

“Since November 2023, we have also been delivering English classes to Ukraine students.

“This has been gratefully received, and we will be continuing these in the year ahead.”