The school leaders’ union, the NAHT is supporting an education charity for Ukranian children, the Svitlo School, who are today aiming to break the record for the largest-ever online school assembly from 9.15am to 9.30am (UK time) on Friday 1 March 2024.

The pupil-led online assembly will mark the two-year anniversary of the invasion of Ukraine and give children and young people the opportunity to hear from three Ukrainian students.

Kseniia is 17, and fled Donetsk and Mauripol, to live in Germany. She is now a junior ambassador to the EU parliament.

Anna is 14 and was forced to leave Kharkiv. She is now a refugee in London.

Tymur is 10, and still lives in Ukraine.

The students will talk about the impact of war on their lives, their hopes for the future, and how education and their school community have helped them. Over 200 schools have signed up.

NAHT has supported Svitlo in their world record attempt. Dave Woods, chair of NAHT’s International Committee, said: “This should be a poignant, thought-provoking, and uplifting assembly as we hear directly from Ukranian pupils affected by the war and their aspirations for the future. We'd encourage as many schools as possible to sign up and support Svitlo School with their record attempt.”

Gavin Hepherd-Hall, Svitlo’s Academic Director, said: “We are excited to make Svitlo's World Record Assembly an historic event, breaking records, raising awareness and inspiring positive change through education.”

The Assembly is available here and can be used for reporting in print, online and broadcast:

Zoom: http://us02web.zoom.us/j/81616819424  

YouTube: https://youtube.com/live/kloA7Ot1s74

More information can be found here: Svitlo World Record Assembly (svitloschool.com)

About Svitlo School:

Svitlo School was founded in 2022 with a singular mission — to provide quality education, mentorship, and support to students affected by the ongoing conflict in Ukraine. We believe in nurturing the potential of these young learners, empowering them with the tools they need to build a brighter future.

Our Initiatives:

• Extracurricular Lessons: Svitlo School offers a wide range of extracurricular lessons, including English, mathematics, investment, and personal skills, delivered by dedicated volunteers.
• Student Support: We provide a safe and nurturing environment where students can not only catch up on their studies but also receive emotional support to overcome the trauma of conflict.

• Ambassador Program: Svitlo School is actively seeking ambassadors who share our passion for education and are willing to advocate for our cause, raise awareness, and support fundraising efforts.

Svitlo School: Illuminating Minds, Transforming Lives

Svitlo School, a beacon of hope in the midst of adversity, is making waves in the realm of education. As a charity dedicated to providing extracurricular lessons to students whose learning has been disrupted by the war in Ukraine, Svitlo School is illuminating minds and transforming lives.

Amidst the challenges posed by conflict and displacement, Svitlo School has emerged as a symbol of resilience and the power of education to overcome adversity.

Svilto School is hoping to encourage the schools to organise fundraising events such as amufti day, cake day or cross run.