Graduation is always a milestone - a moment when past effort and future prospects meet in celebration. For the Svitlo community, our graduation evening at The Shard was far more than just a ceremony. It was a night filled with laughter, tears, gratitude, and unforgettable memories. 

Marking the conclusion of the Svitlo Alumni Camp, our 18-year-old pupils, now graduates of Ukrainian schools, are stepping into the next chapter of their lives. The evening not only reflected on their time in London during the Alumni Camp, but also celebrated their achievements at Svitlo School as a whole, both academic and personal. 

The ceremony opened with heartfelt words from Yuliya Kosko, founder of Svitlo Education. She shared her journey of creating Svitlo and her excitement for the students’ futures, both within the community and beyond. 

One of the highlights came from MJ, a dedicated Svitlo teacher who flew in from the USA to meet the students in person. For many, this was the first time seeing their teachers face to face after years of online learning. Sharing this moment with the students, teachers, volunteers, and friends, made the evening more meaningful. A celebration of not only academic growth, but also the connections formed along the way. 

Several students courageously took to the stage, sharing their personal experiences of learning with Svitlo and reflecting on what the community has meant to them. With many unable to attend their own high school graduation due to the impact of the war, the Svitlo Graduation held profound significance. As one student shared: 

“Never had I thought that joining some online school 2 years ago would bring so much warmth and light into my life. That I’d meet these amazing people that would be like family to me and get to have a real graduation ( my first one!) in the tallest building in London. I mean wow!”

The evening was a powerful reminder that while Svitlo Education may formally end at graduation, the community and support it provides remain. To be part of Svitlo is to carry its light forward together. 

A huge thank you to the Foresight Investment Group for generously providing this incredible setting for the Svitlo Graduation.

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