Newcastle College has officially ‘twinned’ with a college in Ukraine, in a partnership that delivers both education and practical support to students and staff.
Over the past year, Newcastle College has supported the Kryvyi Rih Applied College of Trade and Hotel and Restaurant Business in a range of ways, including a crucial donation of laptops to support their remote learning offer, and delivery of regular staff training sessions to Ukrainian college lecturers.
The partnership was formed through the Ukraine Twinning Initiative, set up by Cormack Consultancy Group in response to Russia’s invasion of Ukraine. Participating colleges and universities are asked to provide practical assistance to help Ukrainian institutions overcome the crisis with added resources, skills, and robust international experience.
The Kryvyi Rih college is in an area targeted by recent airstrikes and regularly experiences loss of power and water. While the conflict prevents students and staff from attending the college, it is hoped that the partnership with Newcastle College will support its remote learning offer and ensure that the college community can continue to access education and training.
Tony Lewin, Executive Principal leading on the partnership, explained: “I am delighted that Newcastle College is able to offer valuable and practical support to our colleagues in Ukraine during this difficult time, through the Twinning Initiative.
“The area of Kryvyi Rih has been significantly affected by the conflict, so I am particularly pleased that we have been able to donate a supply of laptops to help the college continue remote delivery to its students, at a time when they’re unable to be safely together on campus. This was a complex donation and colleagues in our IT department worked hard to navigate legal hurdles to ensure the college could receive the equipment."
Vitaly Lysenko, Head of the Department of International Relations at Kryvyi Rih College commented: “The donation of 25 modern laptops was an invaluable contribution to our college as the laptops were absolutely necessary for teachers and students of our educational institution. Some of the laptops were given to children from socially vulnerable groups and some to the educational hub of the college, so students could engage in practical classes. Our student and teaching family expresses its sincere gratitude for the support from Newcastle College.”
Tony continued: “Over the past year, colleagues in our hospitality department have forged close relationships with our partners in Ukraine, delivering regular professional development sessions to staff at the Kryvyi Rih college. The sessions have provided access to new teaching resources, as well as updates on practical techniques and an opportunity for colleagues to keep up-to-date with industry skills and learn more about the curriculum we offer in the UK. We’re now hoping to replicate these sessions with our business department, providing similar training in the areas of management, finance and administration.
“Our hospitality department is also looking to utilise digital technology within Newcastle College’s professional kitchens to livestream and deliver practical sessions directly to students.”
The Twinning Initiative is intended to be a long-term programme and Newcastle College is now focused on the future of the partnership, exploring ways that it can expand the support it offers its Ukrainian partners.
“Our goal is to continue to offer practical support and training that will have a valuable lasting impact for everyone," added Tony.
“Since November, we have also been delivering English classes to the Ukraine students. A member of staff from our Adult ESOL department has been delivering an online class with up to 30 students once a week. This has been gratefully received and we will be continuing these in the year ahead."
"Now, we are exploring the possibility of Kryvyi Rih college staff and students visiting us here in Newcastle. The situation is complex, but it would be an excellent opportunity to come together and access face-to-face training in a way that they’re currently unable to in Ukraine.
“Our ultimate aim is to give the students and staff positive experiences that will have impact beyond the current conflict that they find themselves in, and we’re looking forward to continuing this partnership and exploring the opportunities it could offer.”
Charles Cormack, Chairman of Cormack Consultancy Group, said of the project: “The launch of the Twinning Initiative aimed to be a support tool for Ukrainian education community. We wanted to make sure the education process in Ukrainian institutions would be preserved, despite the appalling events Ukrainian people have been facing since the beginning of the full-scale Russian invasion. It is a great pleasure to see the enthusiasm and scale of support Newcastle College has been offering to their twin in Kryvyi Rih. For little bit more than a year and a half, institutions have achieved impressive results which demonstrate the commitment and dedication from both sides. We are sure this is just the beginning of a robust cooperation for many more years to come. On behalf of the Twinning team, I would like to congratulate both institutions on their great accomplishments and wish continued prosperity and a flourishing journey ahead.”
Outside of the partnership with Kryvyi Rih Applied College of Trade and Hotel and Restaurant Business, Newcastle College supports Ukrainian refugees through its Our Community is Your Community programme, and continues to collect essential items for distribution in the country.