When the full-scale invasion of Ukraine began in February 2022, millions of children suddenly found their education interrupted by war. Schools closed, families were displaced and many young people lost not only stability, but also the sense of routine and safety that classrooms often provide.

For Yuliya Kosko, a graduate of the University of Roehampton, standing by and watching was never an option.

Yuliya graduated from Roehampton in 2007 with a degree in Early Childhood Studies. After university, she worked as an English as an Additional Language Coordinator in a London primary school before later gaining her Primary School Teaching qualification. She eventually moved into international education consultancy work and founded EducAd Consulting, helping students access British schools and universities.

When war broke out in Ukraine, her priorities changed overnight. Everyone was horrified by what was happening, but for Yuliya, her childhood town, friends and family in Zaporizhzhia were all at risk. At first, Yuliya simply wanted to create online English lessons that could distract children from the trauma of war and give them something positive to focus on. Yet what began as a small initiative quickly evolved into something far bigger. That initiative became Svitlo Education — also known as Svitlo School — a registered charity in England and Wales built around the idea that education can create hope, resilience and future leadership.

Today, Svitlo School offers online lessons and enrichment programmes to Ukrainian children and young people affected by the war. Volunteers from different countries teach a wide range of subjects, helping students improve their English, develop confidence and build an international outlook despite the difficult realities surrounding them.

In March 2022, not realising that Yuliya was a Roehampton alumna, Alison Kelly, formerly a lecturer in Primary Education at Roehampton University, heard about an opportunity to teach English to Ukrainian pupils and joined Svitlo as a volunteer teacher. Soon afterwards, she invited her friend and former colleague Philippa Hunt, who had worked in Roehampton’s Secondary Education department, to become involved as well.

Together, Alison and Philippa began running Story Time and English Literature sessions for younger children. What they brought was far more than lessons. Through stories, conversation and shared reading, they created warmth, encouragement and normality for children living through extraordinary circumstances.

In September 2025, Svitlo Education launched a new programme called Language and Literature, bringing older and younger students together through reading and discussion. Older pupils help younger children develop confidence in English and become role models for them, while also strengthening their own leadership and communication skills.

The project reflects what makes Svitlo different from a traditional online school. It is not only about academic learning. It is about community, confidence and helping young people see themselves as capable future leaders.

Remarkably, it was only after working together at Svitlo for around a year that Alison and Yuliya realised they had actually been at Roehampton University at the same time. While Yuliya was studying Early Childhood Studies, Alison and Philippa were teaching in Roehampton’s education departments.

For both retired lecturers, volunteering at Svitlo has become deeply personal and meaningful.

Alison Kelly says:

“Inspiring children to love reading has been my life’s work whether in school or in training contexts. But the work with Svitlo has been the most worthwhile and rewarding that I have ever done. I am constantly amazed by these children living through a war: their resilience, good humour, delight in literature and enthusiasm.”

Philippa Hunt describes finding Svitlo almost by chance after retiring from Roehampton, while searching for meaningful voluntary work:

“I left Roehampton knowing that I wanted to find a voluntary role post-retirement to fill the gap left by such a rewarding career. Nothing quite suited, so imagine my joy when I found Svitlo. Here was an organisation where I could do everything I loved and be inspired by the most extraordinary and rewarding young people. I feel very lucky to be part of this school.”

The impact of Svitlo School goes far beyond teaching English grammar or literature. For many students, the school provides friendship, structure, encouragement and hope during an incredibly uncertain time. Lessons become spaces where children can laugh, discuss books, share ideas and imagine futures beyond war.

Svitlo also demonstrates the enormous value retired teachers and lecturers still bring to education. The experience, empathy and dedication of volunteers like Alison and Philippa have become central to the school’s success. Their work shows that retirement does not mean the end of teaching — it can open the door to an entirely new kind of educational impact.

As Svitlo School continues to grow, it is also encouraging more retired educators, teachers and university lecturers to consider volunteering. For those looking to use their experience in a meaningful way, the charity offers a chance to support young people whose resilience and determination continue to inspire everyone around them.

Through the shared efforts of Yuliya Kosko, Alison Kelly and Philippa Hunt, Svitlo School has become more than an educational initiative. It has become a community built on compassion, learning and the belief that even during war, education can still create light for the future.

You do not have to be a qualified teacher to join Svitlo as a volunteer. Just 45 min a week for a live lesson and a commitment to 6 weeks min is all we ask here.