Montessori Ukraine United

October 2023

We're excited to share some heartwarming news with you. Thanks to the generosity of five US schools and individual donors, Ukrainian Montessori schools got a much-needed boost in the face of the Russian invasion. The funds, totaling over $11k, were raised through MGGF's Children for Change fundraiser in 2022.

We're happy to report that the grant has had a tangible impact on the ground. Montessori Ukraine United, the recipient of the funds, has been able to provide essential support to Ukrainian Montessori schools. This has helped ensure that these schools can continue to provide quality education to their students despite the challenging circumstances.  

The success of this initiative has spurred on more positive action. Following the first grant, a subsequent grant was also awarded to Montessori Ukraine United. This will further assist in addressing the urgent needs of Ukrainian Montessori schools.  We're thrilled to see what can be achieved when people come together to support a worthy cause.

July 2023

Montessori Ukraine United Foundation seeks to support the health and natural development of Ukrainian children and to increase the probability of a peaceful future by ensuring that Montessori education remains available and accessible both during the conflict and after it ends. At the present moment, we do this by providing a) Montessori materials and other essential supplies; b) need-based tuition scholarships for students to continue their education in a Montessori school; and c) general support to keep Montessori schools open and operating (usually in the form of teacher salary and rent support).

We also aim to strengthen the global Montessori community by connecting Montessori schools in Ukraine with those around the world to increase solidarity, understanding and compassion as well as the flow of financial and moral support.

The overarching purpose of this project is to ensure Ukraine has the best possible chance for a peaceful future by supporting the health, natural development and infinite potential of children while the war continues.

More specifically, the project seeks to provide Montessori education to children who are internally displaced, have lost a caregiver, or whose caregiver is absent due to the war in five Montessori education schools in the frontline regions of Ukraine (Mykolayiv, Kharkiv, Sumy, Chernigiv, and Dnipro). These regions of Ukraine are the most affected by military action and thus the most vulnerable due to the constant shelling attacks and close distance to the frontline.

This perilous environment negatively impacts the children's mental health, sense of safety and ability to focus. Montessori education is an effective antidote to these issues. It has the ability to provide a sense of routine, safety and focus. This in turn has a positive impact on the mental health not only of children, but also of teachers, and thus this project will increase the inner peace of 70 children and 64 educators and support staff. We believe that this in turn will better poise these children and adults to better contribute to and sustain a wider peace in their homes and communities once the conflict is over.

Given the existential threat that the Russian invasion of Ukraine has engendered for democracies across the globe, MGGF is funding operational costs for four Montessori schools along the frontline region of Ukraine.

A donation for this effort will support classroom teachers, fund classroom materials and supplies, and administrative assistance.  A donation helps Ukrainian Montessorians survive and prepare for peace.