Brightseeds (formerly BHSU)

Brightseeds (formerly BHSU) is a non-profit organisation with a mission to empower Ukrainian children through global education, to rebuild for tomorrow. MISSION: In Ukraine, displacement and death remain daily realities for children: schools have been destroyed by shelling, and living in constant danger is taking a psychological toll. And while coverage in Western media has dwindled, attacks are actually *increasing* – In Ukraine, the situation is worsening. In the UK and Ireland, displaced Ukrainian children are isolated and struggling at a vital time in their development. Insufficient language skills, and close contact with just one parent (often because one remains on the front lines, or has been lost to the conflict) make acclimatising a monumental challenge. INITIATIVES: SUMMER SCHOOLS: Our project providing free places for Ukrainian children on residential educational programmes in the UK, designed to give Ukrainian students an international education, bolster self-confidence, and offer a glimpse of a brighter future. TOGETHER: A collaboration model twinning Ukrainian schools in need with British schools who want to help, designed to promote cultural collaboration and instil a vital sense of community for students. LEARNING ENGLISH: Helping Ukrainians of all ages learn English for free, so that they can thrive abroad. HELPLINE: Providing crucial advice to help foster Ukrainians’ success in the UK. OUR STORY: Following the 2022 Russian invasion of Ukraine, co-founders Valeria and Tetyana Samborska were forced to leave their home; with the help of our third co-founder, Kate Hargreaves, they found safety in the UK, and quickly set about helping other Ukrainians safely relocate and adapt to life in Britain. Today our aim is to continue helping Ukrainians imagine, and then prepare for, a brighter future, reflected in our mission statement: Empowering through education. Rebuilding for tomorrow.