It has now been over 2.5 years since the beginning of the full-scale war in Ukraine. During this time, children in Ukraine have endured so much and, unfortunately, have learned how to live with the harsh realities of war. However, the upcoming winter will bring even more challenges to their daily lives.

Since the spring of 2024, attacks on Ukraine's energy system have intensified, leading to the near-complete destruction of the energy sector. According to the International Energy Agency (IEA) report, even during the summer months, when energy demand is low, Ukraine has experienced severe shortages, able to provide only around 20% of the necessary power, despite importing electricity from neighbouring countries. For the coming winter, electricity providers in Ukraine estimate blackouts for up to 20 hours a day.

As a result, children will face:

• No internet and poor data connections during power cuts.
• Frequent and prolonged air raids and attacks across Ukraine, leading to sleepless nights and disrupted education.
• No heating when temperatures can drop to -25°C.
• A domino effect of power shortages for businesses, leading to higher prices and reduced accessibility to goods and services.

This year, Svitlo School is running a Christmas Appeal to help Ukrainian children continue their education through the winter. At Svitlo School, we have over 700 pupils this academic year who regularly attend daily online lessons run by volunteers from all over the world. For students, being part of Svitlo is not only about building their future by improving English skills and other academic and practical skills—it’s also about improving their present. At Svitlo, we’ve created a true community where children can make friends, socialise, boost morale, motivate each other, and find distraction from the war. Our volunteer teachers are also part of this community and always find ways to support the children and make lessons fun and engaging. We believe that having the opportunity to attend lessons at Svitlo this winter could help ease the conditions our students will face during these tough months.

"Joining Svitlo was the best decision of my life."
Andrii

"This is the best community in the world, and I am so proud of it."
Margo

"I just want to smile all day after my lessons at Svitlo, and nothing can ruin that inner warmth for me."
Liza

How can my donation help children in Ukraine?

• £10 could send 5 donated English books to Ukraine.
• £25 could buy a power bank, solar lamp, or LED lamp.
• £100 could ensure a full day of interactive lessons for more than 50 pupils.
• £250 could buy a portable power station that can support minimal home appliances.

Please consider setting up a regular donation or making a one-off contribution to ensure we can continue supporting the education of young Ukrainians and keep illuminating both their present and their future.