“This war is far from over,” added Weingarten. “But we are already joining together with the free world and calling on our allies to begin the vital project of rebuilding Ukrainian schools.”
“This war is far from over,” added Weingarten. “But we are already joining together with the free world and calling on our allies to begin the vital project of rebuilding Ukrainian schools.”
A delegation from the American Federation of Teachers, led by Teachers Union President Randi Weingarten and Education International General Secretary David Edwards, recently arrived in Ukraine. Their mission is to assess local schools and explore ways to support children’s post-conflict recovery.
The group plans to meet with local educators, health professionals, UN agencies, and government representatives.
“Ukraine is the front line in the fight for democracy and freedom and self-determination,” said Weingarten, emphasizing that the outcome of Ukraine’s conflict carries substantial implications for global democracy.
The delegation will visit teacher training sites and childcare centers, and hold discussions with the minister of education. Their aim is to evaluate the impact of war on children’s mental health, learning experiences, educational infrastructure, vocational education, and more.
The visit, co-organized by Education International and the Ukrainian education union TUESWU, includes a four-day tour of Ukraine. The itinerary features meetings with representatives from UNICEF, OECD, Human Rights Watch, UNESCO, and the Confederation of Free Trade Unions.
This marks the AFT’s fourth visit to the region since the war erupted 15 months ago, continuing its tradition of aiding teachers worldwide.
In February, the AFT provided generators to kindergartens and childcare centers in Lviv, Ukraine, after airstrikes damaged the civilian infrastructure. Last year, the federation raised $100,000 from its relief fund, donating hundreds of children’s books to humanitarian and labor organizations. The AFT also helped in rebuilding a teachers’ union building in Kyiv that was destroyed during the 2014 Maidan Revolution.
The AFT, boasting 1.7 million members, has been a consistent supporter of Ukraine. Last year, Weingarten visited the region twice at the invitation of Ukrainian and Polish unions. Furthermore, the AFT sent a delegation to Poland in July, aiming to provide educational support for students aged 12-15 suffering from war trauma.
“This war is far from over,” added Weingarten. “But we are already joining together with the free world and calling on our allies to begin the vital project of rebuilding Ukrainian schools.”
