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Education without borders. How the “MriyDiy” Foundation helps children and teachers in times of war

Education abroad, the return of Ukrainian children home, and the difference between online and offline education – these and other activities of the “MriyDiy” Foundation were discussed by Artur Proydakov, director of the “MriyDiy” Foundation and a finalist for the Global Teacher Prize. In the conversation, he shared the foundation’s experience, discussed the challenges of education during the war, and compared different learning formats. Watch the full version of the conversation in the video.

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What is MriyDiy?
MriyDiy is an educational charitable foundation established in 2022. We work in two areas: helping teachers improve their professional skills and supporting children who have lost access to quality education due to the war. Our educational projects cover different regions of Ukraine, including the frontline regions of Kharkiv, Sumy, and Chernihiv. We organize trainings, additional lessons in Ukrainian and math for children who have been forced to change their place of residence. We also have online initiatives, such as the School Without Walls and Borders project, which allows students from anywhere in the world to study.

How do teachers perceive your help?

We always try to build partnerships. It’s important not just to “come and teach” but to create a space for sharing experiences. We communicate on an equal footing, because changes in education affect everyone. Most teachers realize that modern education can no longer look like it did 20 years ago. Children change, and teaching methods must change with them. Our goal is to help teachers adapt to new challenges and make the learning process more effective.

Read also: Program “School Offline”: New Opportunities for Education During Martial Law

How do your trainings differ from regular professional development?

Our programs are officially recognized as in-service training, and teachers receive the appropriate certificates. But the main difference is that we make the training as practical as possible.

Our approach is as follows: if a teacher learns something today, he or she can apply it in the classroom tomorrow. No theory without real use. This helps make the learning process more lively and interesting for both teachers and students.

How do you measure the effectiveness of your educational programs for students?

We use a clear evaluation system. First, a child takes an entrance test, then attends 16 classes, and then takes a final test.

If their results improve, it means that the program is working. Even a one-point increase in score is an achievement. We see that most children are making progress. Last year, 25,000 children participated in our programs, and their successes confirm that our approach is effective.

Is there a difference between children who study online and offline?

Yes, and this difference is especially noticeable in the social aspect. Children who have been studying remotely for a long time may lose the skills of live communication.

For them, school is just about grades and assignments. Instead, those who go to an offline school understand it as a place of strength, friends, and support. There is humor, interesting moments, extracurricular activities. Even during the war, children continue to joke, communicate, and develop.
Therefore, when students who have been studying online for a long time return to offline, they need a period of adaptation. It is important for teachers to pay attention to this and help children not only with learning but also with socialization.

Read also: Rethinking international aid: the role of local organisations in the humanitarian response in Ukraine

Do children who studied abroad return to Ukraine?

“In Warsaw, we have created a cultural and educational center called DreamDiy. Here, children not only prepare for NMT, but can also engage in creativity, attend a debate club, and participate in master classes.

Approximately 30-50% of children who studied at our center returned to Ukraine and entered Ukrainian universities. This is especially true for girls. But even those who are still abroad are still preparing for the NMT, because they don’t want to lose touch with Ukraine.

What is the future of education after the victory?

Many Ukrainians want to return home, and education will play an important role in this process.
In many aspects, the Ukrainian education system is as good as the European one, and in some respects even better. Parents understand that their children will receive high-quality education in Ukraine.

It is important for us to preserve this quality so that even those who are now abroad know that when they return, they will have the opportunity to study in strong institutions and build their future here.

Read also: Ukrainian students demonstrate resilience in creative thinking despite war — PISA 2022

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