Communities across Medway have been rallying together to welcome guests from Ukraine. Medway’s schools and academies have also been doing all they can to help support those affected by the conflict in Ukraine.
Below are some of the updates supplied directly by the schools and academies.
Marie Sweetlove, CEO Fortis Trust/Bradfields, Chatham
I wanted to share with you the progress that Fortis Trust has made as a community to support Ukraine. To date we have provided all students with education around what is happening to ensure understanding and promote a focus on how we can help. We have already held a blue/yellow non-uniform day and have raised more than £800 so far which we will be giving to UNICEF to support their work.
I attended a round table briefing led by CST UK and Josh Corlett, who is part of the International Rescue Committee (IRC). Josh shared detail of how they are adapting their 'Healing classrooms' programme which is designed to help schools support refugees. He is very keen to engage with local councils, CEOs and headteachers with the aim to train staff in being better equipped to provide the necessary support.
Karen Bennett, Headteacher, Will Adams Academy, Gillingham
Over the last few days, students, staff and parents have been collecting essential supplies for those fleeing Ukraine. Today, we sorted, labelled and delivered more than 100 bags. We then headed to Medway City Estate where we helped to load a lorry which is travelling to Poland.