The Ukraine Youth Action Network (UYAN) has embarked on its second year with more determination and commitment to supporting displaced Ukrainian students affected by the ongoing conflict in their country. The UYAN initiative, organized by Mapworks Learning, fosters a collaborative environment that connects students from various schools across the United States, including GWUOHS, with displaced Ukrainian students residing in Poland and Germany. This program aims to provide essential academic and emotional support to those in need.
One of the program’s sponsors Amy Wiles expressed her excitement about the UYAN’s development from the beginning.
“I remember being in the initiative last year with a group of students that really helped me,” she said, highlighting the program’s ability to develop both individual development and an atmosphere of collaboration. According to Wiles, the first year was mostly spent “testing the waters” and giving students the chance to figure out how to interact with their peers and the Ukrainian community in the most effective way.
One of the standout achievements from the first year was the development of a tutoring website aimed at assisting Ukrainian students, which received funding from Mapworks Learning executives.
“I think it was a great project that allowed our students to interact and work together towards a goal while also making an impact globally,” Wiles remarked.
The website has been recognized for its potential to provide valuable resources, and there are plans to utilize it in Ukrainian schools, including one in Chernobyl.
As the UYAN enters its second year, students are eager to build upon the foundation laid during the previous year. Sophomore Divya S., a second-year participant, shared her motivation for joining the initiative.
“UYAN was—and continues to be—an incredibly rewarding opportunity to take part in such meaningful work,” she said, recalling “those weeks when all the group chats were bursting with ideas, plans and collaboration” as particularly memorable.
Junior Shivani P., another second-year student, expressed her desire for the UYAN to expand its reach, emphasizing the importance of providing ongoing support to students affected by the conflict.
“I hope that UYAN continues to grow and expand its reach, helping even more students who are affected by the conflict in Ukraine,” she stated.
Although there is an overall feeling of excitement, students are also aware of the difficulties that lie ahead.
First-year participant, junior Reem A. mentioned possible communication obstacles brought on by language and social norms. She proposed that one way to lessen these difficulties would be to educate oneself about the language and culture of their Ukrainian counterparts.
“I feel that we are capable of pushing through that and truly getting to know our Ukrainian companions,” said sophomore Hope B., another first-year student, who echoed this view and expressed excitement about the chance to interact with students from other backgrounds.
As the second year unfolds, Mrs. Wiles outlines the goals for the UYAN, emphasizing the importance of maintaining engagement among club members.
“I hope to see everybody stay on board,” she remarked, highlighting the return of many students from the previous year. She also mentioned the potential for creating a newsletter to share updates and encourage broader participation within the school community.
The students shared their hopes for the future, with Divya articulating her aspirations.
“This year, it would be nice to build off of what we established last year—the blog, the tutoring services, all of that—and definitely do more to further our outreach,” Divya said.
This forward-thinking approach reflects a collective desire among the participants to enhance and contribute positively to this project.
The second year of the UYAN at GWUOHS is expected to be a time of growth, collaboration and significant involvement. The UYAN is well-positioned to carry on its essential mission in aiding displaced Ukrainian students with the help of committed teachers like Wiles and the participation of students. As the project develops, it serves as a potent reminder of the influence that group efforts may have when tackling global issues. There is little doubt that the dedication to promoting cultural awareness and offering academic assistance will have a long-lasting impact on the students and communities they serve.
