We all want to protect children from the worst things the world has to offer but, in recent times, that hasn’t been possible.
As the situation in Ukraine worsens, it’s inevitable that children will come to school with questions about the conflict: some may simply be looking to clarify the events, while others will want reassurance.
This is only natural: the escalation and coverage of the conflict has created a sombre atmosphere for adults, let alone children. As teachers, we need to consider how the matter can be sensitively addressed and, whether or not we want them to know the details about the tragedies that are occurring, the war will find a way into their consciousness.
Therefore, we need to equip them to make sense of the situation and alleviate some of the helplessness they may feel.
More:
Earlier this month, I made the decision that I wanted to do more than talk about the conflict. I passionately believe that educators are role models and I decided to plan a trip to the Ukrainian/Polish border to take much-needed supplies to refugees and to offer to transport people where they needed to go.
Children learn a huge amount from watching what others do and I felt a responsibility to lead by example and do what I could to help those who are suffering. I hoped that by taking action, some of the sadness children in our schools had been feeling could be replaced by a positive and more determined outlook, in the knowledge that we can all make a difference.
When I announced my trip, the schools in The Pioneer Academy trust swung into action fundraising, raising money in lots of different ways, from bake sales to days where the children came to school dressed in the colours of the Ukrainian flag.
We initially set out to raise £5,000 but thanks to the generosity of parents, carers, children, businesses, NEU Croydon and the local communities, our schools raised above and beyond that, and we were able to purchase aid supplies, with any left over going to Unicef to support Ukraine’s children.
As a trust, we place the spiritual, moral, social, cultural, emotional and physical development of our pupils, and all children, at the heart of everything we do. We truly believe that by doing this we can appropriately equip our pupils for the opportunities and responsibilities of adult life.
It was moving to see how keen children were to support those in need in Ukraine. One girl at Red Hill Primary raised more than £400 by herself and at Belvedere Infants and Nursery School, the Year 2 pupils made a card with messages of hope and peace for me to take to the border.
In March, I made the trip. And while I was waiting at the Ukrainian border with my co-driver to transport people, my heart ached watching the scenes unfolding around me. However, I was inspired by the volunteers I met there, and the hope and kindness that radiated from them. There will always be tragedy in the world but good people taking action can and do make a difference. I hope the children at our schools believe the same.
Lee Mason-Ellis is chief executive of The Pioneer Academy
