Newcastle College has delivered 138 devices to its partner college in Ukraine, continuing a partnership that has provided vital educational support to students and teachers throughout the war.
The equipment arrived at Kryvyi Rih Applied College of Trade and Hotel and Restaurant Business on Friday 4 September, providing students and colleagues with additional technology to support their learning, teaching and professional development.
Newcastle College has worked with the Ukrainian college since 2022, when the two institutions were brought together through the Ukraine Twinning Initiative, established in response to Russia's invasion of Ukraine.
Located in Kryvyi Rih, an area that has been heavily affected by the conflict, the college has faced significant disruption to education, including airstrikes and interruptions to power and water supplies.
Since the partnership began, Newcastle College has provided practical and educational support to its Ukrainian counterparts, including an initial donation of 25 laptops, online English classes for students and professional development sessions for teaching colleagues.
The latest delivery represents a significant expansion of that support, with 138 modern devices now available for use by students and teachers.
Vitalii Lysenko, who's responsible for International Relations at Kryvyi Rih Applied College of Trade and Hotel and Restaurant Business, said: “These devices are much more than equipment for our college. They represent new opportunities for learning, professional development and a better future for our students.
“During such difficult times for our country, the continued support of Newcastle College reminds our students and teachers that we are not alone. Our partnership has developed into a true friendship, and we are incredibly grateful to everyone who helped make this donation possible.
“By supporting our students and believing in the power of education, Newcastle College has given them new opportunities and shown that true friendship knows no borders.”
The partnership was established as part of the Ukraine Twinning Initiative, which connects UK and Ukrainian education institutions to provide practical assistance, resources and expertise.
Over the past three years, the relationship between the two colleges has continued to develop, with Newcastle College colleagues sharing their knowledge and resources to help support education in Kryvyi Rih during the conflict.
The latest donation builds on that long-term commitment and will help students and teachers continue to access the technology they need for education and training.