Our unique free distance school for children provides Ukrainian students with high-quality online learning, improving their English language skills, developing soft skills, and shaping a global outlook.
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The word “Svitlo” means “light”, and the online school for Ukrainian children Svitlo was born in response to the Russian invasion in February 2022.
Within two weeks, our founder from the UK and education expert Yuliya Kosko launched free online English courses for Ukrainians, reaching 100 students with the help of 40 volunteers. What started as an emergency response quickly evolved into a full-fledged free distance school for children.
Today, our charity organization is officially registered in England and Wales. Over the past school year, Svitlo School provided free education for Ukrainians, delivering high-quality academic and social learning in English to more than 500 children.
Due to the war, over 40% of children in Ukraine have limited or no access to regular schooling. We offer distance courses for children in English, humanities, STEM, creativity, career skills, and well-being.
Our students, aged 10–18, take ownership of their learning by choosing their own subjects.We exist to combat learning loss and social isolation, providing support for Ukrainian children abroad and equipping them with the knowledge, skills, and global perspective they need to help rebuild their country.
Ukraine has long had high levels of literacy and higher education. However, primary and secondary education still suffer from outdated curricula and a lack of modern teaching methods.
There is an overemphasis on memorization instead of analysis, and on content knowledge rather than critical thinking. Freedom to question, make mistakes, or explore alternative approaches is rarely encouraged — leaving many students unmotivated and lacking confidence.
The free distance school for children at Svitlo takes a different approach.
In our online school for Ukrainian children, students take responsibility for their learning: they choose their own subjects, are encouraged to ask questions, make mistakes, speak freely, and collaborate with peers.
Through our distance courses for children, we nurture essential soft skills:
– confidence
– teamwork
– adaptability
– problem-solving
– decision-making
“Ukrainian schools must do a better job of equipping students with lifelong learning skills, critical thinking, goal setting, teamwork, and communication in a multicultural environment.”
World Bank, Education Review, 2019
15 000
hours taught
2000+
students supported
110+
classes per week
data Sep 2023 to April 2025
At our online school for Ukrainian children, learning goes beyond the classroom. Students start, lead, and participate in projects that build their creativity, leadership, teamwork, and soft skills.
In our safe and inclusive community, children form friendships, find role models — and become role models themselves. They actively shape the school environment, embodying our values and supporting their peers. This is a key part of our approach to distance learning for Ukrainians and our support for Ukrainian children abroad.
Students earn points for their House — promoting participation, collaboration, and friendly competition.
Older students can grow as leaders by becoming prefects, while our buddy system helps new students settle in and make friends.
Students are elected to the Council and work with the Svitlo team and volunteers — sometimes even leading classes themselves.
An active online space where students share their thoughts on school life, learning, and personal growth.
Our team of young writers and designers collaborates on a monthly magazine-style publication.
Students help manage Svitlo’s Instagram and TikTok accounts, creating content including graphics, captions, and videos.
“Education is the most powerful weapon which you can use to change the world.” - Nelson Mandela
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