BACKGROUND

On the 24th February 2022, the Russian Federation invaded Ukraine. Like so many of you across the University of York and beyond, we were shocked and appalled. The last year has been a challenging one, full of heartbreaking losses.

During this time, the University of York has responded with support on many levels, including putting in place additional scholarship provision and other financial support for current and future students affected by this war, and reaching out to offer welfare and other types of support.

On a wider level, the University also supports the work of the Council for At Risk Academics (CARA) to provide a place of safety in the UK for academics displaced by the invasion, and is working with the City Council and other local partners to see how to best coordinate actions to the benefit of those needing sanctuary.

OUR STORY

We are the founding members of the Ukrainian society at the University of York.

I am Vitalina, a student from Ukraine. A country, where I was born and raised, where I made friends and started my undergraduate studies. When the war broke out I had to flee my home city Kharkiv, a city in the East of Ukraine, one of the first to come under Russian attack, and move abroad. Since the first day of the full-scale invasion, I have been helping young people in Kharkiv, who happened to be alone at that time, with evacuation and humanitarian aid. Later, while being abroad, I was volunteering in the local refugee centres, helping other displaced Ukrainians to establish their new lives. And this is just a brief story of mine, but there are many other Ukrainians at the University of York, who have their own stories of how they were affected by this war and what was their contribution to the Ukrainian future victory. 

Our Ukrainian community at the university was formed organically and has some history in it. Although the majority of us have met in York, we have already known each other through common friends back in Ukraine. Thus, when we arrived the group started to expand by itself quite easily. There are representatives from all over Ukraine, from Kyiv to Zaporizhzhia, and from Lviv to Kharkiv. Similar views, interests and desire to contribute even more have led to the establishment of the Ukrainian Society which was created with the support of the University of York.

OUR AIMS

Probably, you haven’t heard about us yet, as we are a completely new society. We are aiming to provide a social space for anyone interested in Ukraine, its culture, people, language and so on. Moreover, we are happy to be a social platform to unite and represent Ukrainians on campus while raising awareness about Ukrainian culture, values, traditions and heritage within the University of York.

Our team also wants to help provide navigation to anyone interested in contributing to the support of those affected by the war and ensuring there is reliable information on ways to help Ukraine available.

WHERE WILL THE MONEY GO?

- Organising an event to take place on the one-year anniversary of Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine (is likely to include spendings like e.g. catering, printing services, transport to the rallies). It has been a year of heartbreaking losses and proud victories, and we call the University community to reflect with us during a chain of talks/a panel discussion about the roots and further unfolding of the biggest war in Europe since 1945.

- Organising an exhibition with the photographs and art pieces summarising the events and experiences both on the frontline and abroad. We believe it is crucial that the young scholars are exposed to this information and share this sentiment with Ukrainians at the University. In addition, the exhibition will be conceptualised by the members of the newly created Ukrainian Society, with their comments on the provided material and their personal experiences. One of the aims of the exhibition will be not just commemorating and remembering the Russian full-scale invasion of Ukraine, but also fundraising to trustworthy Ukrainian and International charities.

FIND US HERE

Follow us on:

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Keep up to date with upcoming events of our society, Ukrainian culture and essential news regarding current invasion.

If you are a student of the University of York you are also more than welcome to join our brand new society and become a part of our team and future projects!

HELP US SUCCEED!

You don't just need to give money to help us succeed! Please share this project with anyone you think would support us – on Twitter, Facebook, LinkedIn, by email, telephone, in a chat over the fence or on your blog.

In fact, share it with everyone you know as it will mean a lot to us, and the more people who know about it, the more likely we are to reach our target and make our society a success.

And we know we said you don't need to give money to help us, but we'd love it if you did! Please sponsor us and help make this happen.