A new partnership has been launched to share best practice in Ukrainian and UK schools.
On the 16th January 2025, a new partnership was announced between UK and Ukrainian schools. This collaboration is part a 100-year partnership that UK Prime Minister, Keir Starmer, and President of Ukraine, Volodymyr Zelenskyy, have signed as a demonstration of the UK’s commitment to Ukraine – and to ‘drive forward the government’s Plan for Change by increasing economic and trade cooperation to boost growth and benefit the health, wealth and security of working people in both countries.’ 1
The UK-Ukraine school partnerships programme is the first step in sharing best practice across the two education systems, and the significance of reading will sit at the heart of it. It is an opportunity for pupils and teachers alike to expand their inter-cultural skills, increase their global awareness and develop essential life skills such as reading and communication skills.
The project will initially begin by partnering 50 UK and Ukrainian schools on a year-long reading project. The schools will be chosen between now and the start of the scheme, in late spring. The project will de delivered by the British Council in partnership with the National Literacy Trust.
Why is reading the key focus?
Prime Minister Keir Starmer explains: “Reading is so much more than education, it broadens horizons, nurtures creativity and provides hope and light in uncertain times.” 1
Reading is a significant factor for a child or young person’s future – not only because of the impact on them academically and in their future work but in understanding more about themselves and others. Reading gives children opportunities to grow in confidence, spark their imagination and creativity and learn so much about the world around them. Additionally, “The National Literacy Trust found that children who read are three times more likely to have higher levels of mental wellbeing.” 1
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References
- Gov.UK (2025) ‘UK-Ukraine enter schools partnership to drive education standards’. Available at: https://www.gov.uk/government/news/uk-ukraine-enter-schools-partnership-to-drive-education-standards–2#:~:text=The%20project%2C%20delivered%20by%20the,exploring%20the%20benefits%20of%20reading. (Accessed 20th January 2025)
