UWC Ukraine Board
UWC Ukraine is a volunteer-led group of Ukrainian UWC alumni dedicated to selecting and supporting students and their families for the UWC movement. Our members are passionate about education and international understanding, working together to create opportunities for young Ukrainian changemakers.
Since its inception in 1994, our National Committee has supported over 200 students in their pursuit of education. Each year, we receive hundreds of applications and carefully select students through our rigorous selection process. Nearly 100% of our finalists receive full or partial scholarships to attend UWC schools and colleges.
Who forms the National Committee?
From its inception until today, our National Committee has been fully run by volunteers who are Ukrainian alumni of UWC schools. The core group behind the efforts comprises our Board. This group handles the selection process, spreads the word about the movement, raises funds, manages the work of the non-profit organization, and supports this website and social media. Many more alumni also join in whenever help is needed — from reviewing applications to spreading the word about our fundraising campaigns.
Meet the faces behind the work our organization does:
Our history and impact
The first UWC Selection Committee in Ukraine was founded by Halyna Freeland, a Canadian lawyer who was born in Ukraine. She created the Committee in 1994 as a part of the Ukrainian Legal Foundation. Halyna was keen on giving young Ukrainians better educational opportunities after her daughter, Chrystia Freeland (now Minister of Transport and Internal Trade of Canada), graduated from UWC Adriatic.
Yevheniia Sheveliuk was the first Head of the Selection Committee. In 1994, the first two students, Olena Yanchuk (Pearson UWC) and Serhiy Petrov (UWC Adriatic), won the selection process and began their studies.
The selection jury consisted of representatives of embassies and members of the Ukrainian Legal Foundation. Later, Ukrainian alumni joined the process. In 1999, the UWC International Office held the European Regional Conference in Kyiv. National Committees from across Europe participated, joined by the UWC International Office staff and representatives of colleges. The event boosted relations between the UWC movement and Ukraine.
Eventually, the UWC International Office helped create the new UWC National Committee in Ukraine in 2002. Shortly thereafter, Olena Yanchuk (Pearson UWC) and Ostap Malaniuk (UWC Atlantic) began working on selecting the new cohort of students in 2003, supported by the International Renaissance Foundation and Educational Advising Center Osvita.
Since then, UWC Ukraine has grown into a full-fledged nonprofit dedicated to spreading UWC values in Ukraine. During our organization’s existence, we’ve supported over 200 students who went on to study at UWC campuses and are changing the world today.
Our commitment
- As part of the global UWC National Committee network, we adhere to UWC’s principles and selection standards.
- Our volunteers include many UWC alumni who understand the experience firsthand and are dedicated to guiding new students.
- We maintain strong connections with UWC schools, colleges, and alumni to offer insights and support to students and their families throughout their journey.
Get involved
We welcome new supporters who share our passion for education and peacebuilding. Please consider contributing financially to help us fund more scholarships, spreading the word about our work, or partnering with us to help more Ukrainians receive quality education.
Join us in empowering the next generation of global citizens!