This blog is written by Anna Azarova, Communications Manager at The British International School, Ukraine.

In January 2024, BISU delivered a compelling message to the global community at the COBIS Conference for Bursars, Business Managers, and HR Staff. We highlighted the urgent need for international teachers to be physically present in our schools in Ukraine. In this pivotal moment in the country’s history, these educators would be more than just instructors – they would be beacons of hope and stability for our students, the next generation who will guide Ukraine towards prosperity.

Today, we are proud to announce that our call resonated with educators worldwide.

With bright smiles, soaring spirits, and even greater aspirations, BISU welcomed the start of the new academic year 2024-2025 in Kyiv and Dnipro. For the third time since the outbreak of the war in February 2022, we have opened our doors, once again becoming a safe space for learning and growth. 

We were thrilled to greet our returning students and parents and warmly welcome new members into our vibrant community. Indeed, the bravery and unwavering determination of our children to pursue their studies in Ukraine is nothing short of remarkable! Our online students in Kyiv and Dnipro also joined our ceremony, further highlighting the BISU spirit.

It was a true joy to reunite with our dedicated teachers, both international and local, who have stood by us over the years, and to introduce the exciting expansion of our team. BISU's international teachers have travelled from across the globe, bringing with them a passion for education and a commitment to delivering exceptional learning experiences to our students.

Our new International Programme Director, Mr. David Van Zanten, who has over two decades of teaching and leadership experience, addressed the BISU community, introducing both familiar and fresh faces to students, parents, and staff.

Despite the extraordinary challenges, BISU, being the first Cambridge-authorised school in Ukraine, has remained steadfast in its commitment to providing a world-class British education through the Cambridge Pathway. Last year, we celebrated the achievements of our IGCSE and A Level graduates. 

As a proud member of COBIS, we have leveraged numerous opportunities to broaden our students' growth and advance the professional development of our teaching staff.

Mr. David says: “BISU belongs to a unique group of about 300 schools that are members of COBIS. COBIS gives us access to world leading professional development, which ensures that our teachers are able to be totally up to date with the best practices and the delivery of their subjects to the highest standard.” 

At BISU, we believe that education extends far beyond academics. Through participation in impactful international initiatives, our students develop a strong sense of global citizenship, fostering cross-cultural communication, shared responsibility, and unity. Our partnerships with COBIS and schools worldwide enrich students' perspectives, empowering them to become open-minded contributors to society. 

International teachers play a vital role in this process, bringing global insights into our environment.

Originally from New Zealand, Mr. David adds: “Our international teachers either come from or have taught in 40 different countries. As such, they bring a connection, experience and flavour of the world into our classrooms. All of us delivering the international programme want you, Ukraine, to know that you are important and valued on the world stage. Every one of us here has a calling as though we've been summoned to deliver in person our form of international support to our precious students.”

Travelling from the US, Christopher Johnson joined BISU as an English teacher in August 2024: “I will be teaching English at the secondary level and working mostly with students in Years 9 and 10. I am inspired by the perseverance of the BISU community throughout the invasion and by their commitment to providing quality education to all, regardless of political situation. I hope to share my experiences working within Sub-Saharan Africa and the Middle East with my students.”

Ukraine’s ties with the global community run deep and personal. UK-born Jon Morgan, PE teacher for all age groups, shared his unique connection: “My journey to Ukraine started with my grandfather, who was from Kalush (a city set in the foothills of the Carpathian Mountains, in Ivano-Frankivsk province of western Ukraine. After serving as a frontline combat medic in the Ukrainian military, I wanted to continue helping Ukraine by supporting young people at BISU. I’m focused on raising students’ aspirations, helping them develop qualities like physical fitness, determination, and confidence. By inspiring them to aim high, we can help them achieve great things for themselves, their families, and their country.”

We are deeply grateful to the entire COBIS network, our global partners, friends, and supporters for standing with us and spreading the word about Ukraine and BISU. This success is the result of a collective effort, uniting educators worldwide to shape future leaders who embody empathy, cultural awareness, responsibility, and resilience. 

As Mr. David says, “We seek to raise students’ awareness of their inner potential, empowering them to shape a brighter future and create a new world.” 

A while back, we conceived an idea to collaborate with global educators to pioneer an innovative and distinctive approach in education. By forming an alliance of teachers dedicated to supporting schools in need, no matter where they are located across the globe, we can drive meaningful change. BISU's case may well be the first step towards bringing this vision to life.