Campaign by Story
What we're fundraising for
Each summer, we offer our most dedicated students an unforgettable experience - two weeks at international summer schools in the UK.
These trips are so much more than two weeks of learning:
- respite from the war, where children can sleep soundly at night, see a plane in the sky and attend lessons free from air raid sirens
- a summer of 'firsts' for many students: first time on a plane, leaving Ukraine, meeting new friends from countries across the world, visiting landmarks they've only seen on TV and trying new activities
- building new skills, improving their English and most of all, their confidence and sense of 'what's possible for me'
- meeting their online classmates and teachers in person for the first time
Summer school is a chance for students to feel safe and recharge, form lasting international connections and create life-long memories.
Each student returns home with new skills and renewed hope for their future – ready to work harder, dream bigger and uplift others.
What your donation is used for
Placements are provided free of charge thanks to the incredible generosity of our summer school partners, including MPW, ISSOS, BOSS and International House. This year we have our biggest summer ever - more than 50 young Ukrainians heading to summer school!
However, as a charity we must cover other essential costs:
- travel to airports outside of Ukraine (there are no commercial flights due to the war)
- airfair to the UK
- visas
- transfers
- transport for day trips
- cultural activities like a trip to the theatre
- meals when out exploring new cities or meeting teachers in person for the first time
What our students say
Since 2023, dozens of young Ukrainians have experienced these life-changing summers. Here are just a few comments:
This trip had a huge impact on my overall well-being. For the first time in a long time, I finally felt truly safe. It was a completely different world - no sirens, no shaheds, no explosions, no constant fear. That sense of peace and security was everything.
Ulya, 16 years old
This trip made me realise that communicating with people from different countries is an experience everyone should have.
Sasha, 11 years old
On my trip to Great Britain, the cultural differences struck me like nothing else. In this new environment, I learned not to be afraid to take initiative, and I became more open and confident. It wasn’t just fun – it was a huge step in my personal growth.
Ksenia, 17 years old
Who we are and what we do
Svitlo Education began as an emergency response in March 2022 to combat learning loss and provide a stable, welcoming community for Ukrainian children affected by war.
Since then we have supported more than 3,000 children with our free, extracurricular online English-medium school.
With a global network of volunteers and partners, we equip young Ukrainians to communicate internationally, think globally, develop autonomy and build leadership experience.
Our mission is to develop Ukraine's future social, political and business leaders. Ukraine's future lies with its next generation, equipped with the language, skills, global outlook and leadership readiness needed to rebuild a modern European state.
We are a registered charity in England & Wales, registration number 1201542.