Ukraine Invites Global Educators to Promote Peace Through Unique Class

Ukraine’s Ministry of Education and Science has launched an initiative inviting teachers, schools, and youth programs worldwide to participate in a unique lesson titled “Snapshots from Ukraine: Untold Stories of Teenagers.” This lesson was created by Ukrainian educators and was first introduced at the Fifth Summit of First Ladies and Gentlemen.

The class is designed to provide students globally with insights into the real stories of Ukrainian teenagers who have grown up amidst the war. It highlights their challenges, hopes, and dreams for the future. Three authentic narratives form the core of the lesson: one recounts the experience of studying in an underground school near the front line, another discusses the forced deportation of teenagers to Russia, and the third shares the impact of losing friends during Russian shelling.

Teachers from any country can incorporate this lesson into their classrooms, youth centers, or cultural programs. It is particularly relevant for instructors of history, geography, language, philosophy, and ethics. The materials are specifically targeted towards students aged 14 to 18, who are keen to learn more about Ukraine, the ongoing conflict, and the daily lives of their peers during these challenging times.

Olena Zelenska, the First Lady of Ukraine, emphasized the importance of this initiative, stating, “This peace lesson is not just another school class. It serves as a reminder that peace begins in the heart of each person and in their daily actions.” She called on educators worldwide to help students understand that the future relies on the ability of the new generation to build bridges rather than walls.

In a similar vein, Oksen Lisoviy, the Minister of Education and Science of Ukraine, remarked that fostering humanity, empathy, and cooperation starts in schools. He urged education ministries and teachers around the globe to join this initiative, highlighting that the lesson counters misinformation and promotes understanding and respect among different cultures.

The materials for the class are freely available in multiple languages, ensuring that educators and students can access them easily. The initiative aims not only to educate but also to instill resilience and values that persist even in times of war.

The class serves as a critical reminder that peace is a value to be cherished and never taken for granted. Through this initiative, Ukraine hopes to engage a global audience in meaningful discussions about the importance of empathy and understanding in today’s world.