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

News | Rhys Williams | Published: 15:25, Monday May 12th, 2025.
Last updated: 09:22, Tuesday May 13th, 2025

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Pupils at Tir y Berth Primary School meeting their Ukrainian counterparts
Pupils at Tir y Berth Primary School meeting their Ukrainian counterparts online

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.

Tir y Berth Primary School has connected with Lysychansk School No. 1
Tir y Berth Primary School has connected with Lutsk Lyceum No. 1

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.” 

“We want to say thank you”: Ukrainians give back to the community at poignant ceremony

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.

What is the British Council?

Set up more than 90 years ago, the British Council is an organisation focusing on international, cultural, and educational opportunities.

With a presence in more than 100 countries worldwide, it aims to promote the UK and the English language globally, as well as promoting the Welsh language in Argentina.

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.” 

The school is using the project to improve pupils’ reading skills

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.” 

“Not many people really believed this would even be possible” – Ukrainian refugee in Caerphilly shares experience of war

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.”

Year 5 and 6 pupils have been taking part in the scheme
Year 5 and 6 pupils have been taking part in the scheme

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