‘It’s opened our eyes’: School pupils connecting with children in Ukraine

A shared love of Harry Potter is bringing together children in Tir y Berth and war-torn Ukraine.

Year 5 and 6 pupils at Tir y Berth Primary School have connected with Lutsk Lyceum No. 1, in north-western Ukraine, taking it in turns to read chapters of Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone.

The school is one of four in Wales to be taking part in the UK-Ukraine School partnership scheme, which aims to boost cultural understanding between the two nations, amid Russia’s invasion of Ukraine.

As part of the UK Government-funded project, the schools meet regularly online, and have exchanged pen portraits and recorded videos teaching each other Welsh and Ukrainian greetings.

Speaking about the project, teacher David Farmer said: “We’ve partnered with a school that’s very different from ours as they have over 1,000 pupils.

“So far, we’ve shared lots of pictures and videos of our schools and children, which was lovely, and the Ukrainian pupils have been so enthusiastic, especially about Harry Potter.” 

Mr Farmer continued: “We wanted to give reading a real-world purpose and let our pupils connect with a different culture. We also wanted our pupils to understand what children in other countries are going through and to help support them in a meaningful way.” 

Teachers from the school met their Ukrainian counterparts in person earlier this year, during a visit to neighbouring Poland organised by the British Council.

Mr Farmer described the experience as “humbling” and said: “Our pupils have never done anything like this before. It’s helping them see beyond their own community, and they’re taking real pride in sharing their culture and language.

“It’s also been incredibly rewarding – not just for the children, but for us as teachers. It’s opened our eyes to how enriching and powerful these connections can be.” 

Speaking about a planned celebration event in September, Mr Farmer added: “Svetlana, my counterpart in Ukraine, and I have talked about keeping the partnership going long-term – even if one of us moves on.

“We’ve become good friends and chat about more than just school now. We hope the relationship continues between both schools for years to come.” 

Ruth Cocks, director of the British Council Wales, spoke of the “very special relationship” between Wales and Ukraine and said: “The Welsh schools have not only embraced the partnership, but are leading with empathy, creativity, and a genuine desire to learn and connect.

“Through books, letters, and shared experiences, pupils are building meaningful relationships that will stay with them for years to come and will equip pupils with the tools to shape a brighter future.”