Education MDR News Outreach Ukraine

Education Efforts in Response to the Ukrainian Crisis

When BWM Executive Director Justin Rabbach recently had the opportunity to visit the Czech Republic, many Czech and Ukrainian partners expressed that schooling is a top priority for refugee families who aim to avoid gaps in their children’s education and to maintain a sense of normalcy wherever possible. The BWM is in communication about potential partnerships with two education projects in the Czech Republic, one in Nová Paka and one in Hejnice.

The Moravian congregation in Nová Paka welcomed long-term partners and friends from New Generation Christian School, a primary school formerly based in Kyiv, to use space in their church and school buildings. They have been successfully operating out of this space since March, but the school’s future is uncertain as they question whether they will be able to return to Ukraine or if some of their families will need to consider making the Czech Republic or another country their permanent home. The director of the school shared that they have been “robbed of their ability to plan for the future.” In these unstable circumstances, both students’ and teachers’ financial situations have changed and the tuition fees that are affordable for students’ families are no longer enough to cover the expenses of the teaching staff. Please continue to pray for the teachers and students at New Generation Christian School as they navigate these challenges.

In Hejnice, the new Moravian High School has received inquiries about providing space in their school for Ukrainian youth who have resettled to the area. Since this school is a new undertaking, they do not yet have the capacity to host these students. They are open to partnerships that would allow them to increase their capacity in order to host Ukrainian students on a short- or long-term basis, depending on the circumstances. Please pray for discernment as Moravian High School determines its role in this effort.

We are pleased to share how we have seen Moravians throughout Europe do such tangible ministry through your generosity and we are grateful for your continued prayers and support.

Those in the US can send checks to Board of World Mission, 1021 Center St., Bethlehem, PA 18018 or make a donation online at MoravianMission.org/Give. Please use the memo line to indicate that your gift is for “Refugee Resettlement.”

Canadians can send checks to Moravian Church in Canada, 600 Acadia Drive SE, Calgary, AB T2J 0B8. Interac e-Transfer donations may be sent to [email protected]. In the comments section, please mark this donation as “Refugee Resettlement” and include your name and address to receive a tax receipt.

View previous updates on the Ukraine crisis here.