Introducing Svitlo Alumni Camp

We’re excited to announce the launch of our newest initiative — Svitlo Alumni Camp, with its first two-week session taking place this August in London.

This special programme is designed for our 18-year-old pupils who are now Ukrainian school graduates and are stepping into the next chapter of their lives and need tailored support as they navigate higher education and career opportunities in Ukraine.

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What is Svitlo Alumni Camp?

Svitlo Education has developed a unique programme for them, as their needs evolve, we believe our support must evolve too.All our lessons are in English and our semesters run for 6 weeks at a time. You can choose to teach our younger cohort of students, who are 10-13 years old, or our older cohort who are 14-18 years old.

Svitlo Alumni Camp is a two-week bootcamp where students will receive:

  • Training to become teachers of English as an Additional Language (EAL) and apply these skills to teaching younger pupils at Svitlo School from September.
  • Alongside this, they will explore a range of career paths and deepen their understanding of the opportunities available to them, both in Ukraine and internationally.

Our first camp will host 10 students from Ukraine. These students have consistently demonstrated leadership, initiative, and a strong commitment to improving our school community. Many have already taught English lessons independently or served as Reading Buddies, guiding younger students through reading sessions.

What will students experience?

Students will be hosted by our generous partner, YMCA German in London, which is providing accommodation, meals, and workshop facilities. Over the course of two weeks, participants will take part in a rich programme of academic, career-focused, skill-building, and cultural activities.

  • Mornings will be dedicated to workshops led by our volunteer teachers, covering key pedagogical skills and techniques for teaching English as an Additional Language.
  • Afternoons will offer site visits to leading organisations such as Google, Bloomberg, LinkedIn, EBRD, Foresight Investment Group, Gensler, and others. These visits will include talks, mentorship, and in some cases, hands-on workshops with professionals in various industries.
  • Evenings and weekends will be filled with cultural outings, allowing students to discover London, its history, and its global spirit.

Why is Svitlo Alumni Camp needed?

We believe these young people are the future of Ukraine. As the architects of the country’s rebuilding and international cooperation, they must be empowered with skills and experiences that can shape their paths, particularly in a time of war, when so many of those opportunities are at risk of being lost.

This initiative is part of our broader mission to support Ukrainian students whose education has been deeply impacted by the war. Today, many young people across Ukraine are facing significant uncertainty about their futures. In our latest student survey, 64% of older students expressed concerns about their ability to access higher education or secure employment.

Two women presenting on Sky News television studio

In response to these challenges, we recognised the urgent need to provide students with practical skills and career-oriented training that can open doors to employment opportunities now — not just in the future. One of the core components of the Svitlo Alumni Camp is training participants to become teachers of English as an Additional Language. This qualification not only offers a viable career path, but also enables students to support themselves financially while continuing their education or exploring other interests.

In addition, many students feel uncertain or limited in what they believe they can achieve professionally, often lacking a clear roadmap from education to a fulfilling career. Our programme aims to address this gap by offering first-hand exposure to diverse professions, through workshops, company visits, and conversations with experienced mentors across a variety of fields.

Ultimately, the goal of Svitlo Alumni Camp is to create a space where students can explore their ambitions, build confidence, and develop a clear sense of direction, equipping them not only with skills, but also with the vision and tools to shape their futures.

How can you support Svitlo Alumni Camp?

You can help make this programme possible by contributing toward the students’ flight and visa costs, as well as covering the expenses of organising workshops, activities, and excursions.

💛 Please consider donating through the link below.
✉️ For any questions, ideas, or partnership opportunities, please contact us at hello@svitloschool.com.

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