Every day, Ukraine continues to demonstrate resilience and courage in the face of war, which inspires the world to provide its support at all levels. The ENGin program provides vivid proof of this. The non-profit organization, which brings Ukrainians together with volunteers from around the world for language exchange, has become an important bridge for intercultural understanding, support and empowerment for Ukraine. The bonds that the program forms encourage volunteers not only to serve as language mentors but also to work comprehensively to support Ukraine through real actions that help lift the country in its time of need.
This article provides an overview of the different ways ENGin volunteers support Ukraine, as well as highlights from the program's latest impact report, demonstrating how ENGin has gone beyond language learning to become a driver of real, positive change.
ENGin's global network of volunteers: Promoting cultural exchange and support
ENGin brings together volunteers from over 140 countries with students from Ukraine of all ages from 9 years old and beyond, offering them a safe space to practice English and build cross-cultural relationships. This language exchange is about more than improving speaking skills: it is about promoting mutual understanding, empathy and solidarity.
A large number of volunteers are inspired by their interactions with Ukrainian students to act outside of the program to support the country in various ways.
Our latest data shows that 60% of our participants find ways to support Ukraine beyond language exchange after just three months of volunteering. After nine months, this figure rises to an impressive 71%! These actions range from advocating for Ukraine's needs in their home countries to participating in humanitarian aid.
Advocacy and political influence
One inspiring example is the story of Sam Linton, one of our long-term volunteers who initially joined ENGin for language exchange. Thanks to his participation in the program, Sam deepened his connection to Ukraine beyond practicing English with a student and began to actively engage with policymakers in the United States. He participated in the Ukraine Action Summit in Washington, D.C., where he advocated for continued international support for Ukraine, demonstrating how individual advocacy can influence policy decisions.
Fundraising and rebuilding Ukraine
ENGin volunteers also play an important role in local fundraising. In Albany, New York, a fundraiser for the rebuilding of the war-torn city of Bucha was held, and Katie Suhr, one of our dedicated volunteers, attended. Katie took the opportunity to speak about ENGin's mission and helped pack 400 boxes of humanitarian aid for Ukrainian defenders and civilians. This type of community engagement demonstrates the power of local action to help rebuild Ukraine.
Humanitarian support
Some of our volunteers, like David Kong, regularly support Ukrainian volunteer programs financially. David, who finds it unacceptable that anyone should have to live in the realities of war, donates to organizations that help the Ukrainian Armed Forces and supports Ukrainian vegan companies that provide soldiers on the front lines with essential food. He is also learning Ukrainian as a sign of solidarity and respect for Ukrainian culture.
Another example is ENGin volunteer Kathleen Makowski, who participated in the delivery of medical supplies to Ukraine during a vacation trip to Poland. After attending a Ukrainian fair in her hometown, she was asked to help transport much-needed medicines. Kathleen didn't hesitate to organize the delivery of medicines during her trip because every act of support, big or small, matters to her.
Volunteering in Ukraine
While many ENGin volunteers support Ukraine from abroad, some have gone even further by visiting the country and volunteering directly. Robert traveled from the US to Ukraine and one part of his journey included a stop in a village near Dnipro, where he volunteered for a while and where he witnessed the reality of war through frequent air raids and explosions. Despite these dangers, he was impressed by the resilience of his Ukrainian ENGin students who continued to live their lives with determination and hope.
The same story befell volunteer Andrew Wright, who took a break from his work and traveled with a friend from the United States to Ukraine to volunteer in Lviv, where they helped prepare meals for displaced people and those in need.
Another volunteer, Kevin, traveled to Ukraine to offer creative support. Kevin, an actor and acting teacher, came to Ukraine to meet with his ENGin student and even taught improvisational acting workshops to local children, offering emotional support during a difficult time.
The wider impact of ENGin: Empowering future generations
ENGin's impact report demonstrates how volunteer initiatives can have far-reaching effects not only on language learners, but on entire communities. The incredible stories of support from volunteers around the world underscore the power of international cooperation, cultural exchange, and a shared desire to help Ukraine recover and rebuild. As ENGin grows, so does the positive impact of the network of volunteers who not only teach, but also protect, support and stand in solidarity with the Ukrainian people.
Many Ukrainian students participating in the program are eager to use their improved language skills to advocate for Ukraine on global platforms, engage in international cooperation, and contribute to the recovery of their country.
ENGin volunteers not only provide language support, but also give students the confidence and tools they need to shape their future. As Ukraine is going through one of the most challenging periods in its history, these language exchanges are turning into life-changing experiences that benefit both students and their mentors, as well as Ukraine in the long run.
How you can get involved
The efforts of ENGin volunteers demonstrate that anyone can make a tangible contribution to supporting Ukraine at any level: language exchange, fundraising, humanitarian aid, and more. As the program continues to grow its global network, we encourage you to join our mission to support Ukraine's recovery and development.
To learn more about how you can participate in the ENGin volunteer program or contribute to our mission, please visit our website. Together we can build a brighter future for Ukrainians.
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