Shkola Pokuttia in Horodenka: The path is made by the one who follows it.

Shortly after the incursion, the Waldorf school in Horodenka became a refuge for many families from eastern Ukraine. This was also made possible through donations that the Friends of Waldorf Education were able to pass on to the school. Yurii Shkremetka from Shkola Pokuttia reports on the second half of last year:

We started the 2023/2024 school year with two new classes. Class 8 consists entirely of the children of internally displaced persons, while Class 1 consists almost entirely of local children. There are also new pupils in the other classes. We are also very happy that the school has a new subject: Bothmer gymnastics. Like the eurythmy teacher, the Bothmer gymnastics teacher also comes to us once a month. Now we are looking for a good German teacher. All other subjects are pretty much covered.

Our community continues to work in many directions to build an educational centre with sustainable development, financial stability, high-quality, free education, public trust and strong social ties, which has the chance to become one of the newest cultural centres in the region, and for the future of Ukraine. We are aware that this is a long and difficult path, especially in times of war, but we follow the motto, “The path is made by the one who follows it”, and we have a sincere belief in it. Also, we have many good friends in Ukraine and abroad who are always ready to help and support us, for which we are incredibly grateful.

In the last few months, we have been able to experience many beautiful celebrations: school enrolment, Thanksgiving, the Lantern Festival, and St. Martin's Day with trips into the city, then the Advent celebrations with the Advent Garden and much more. Some plays were also performed that brought the school community together.

In addition to many positive aspects, there is also a less pleasant one that has put a strain on the school recently - the complete lack of ventilation in the building with all the negative consequences in the form of poor indoor air quality, high humidity, mould on the walls and, of course, an often poor state of health in the teachers, and children with frequent illnesses. The problem existed before, but with the increase in the number of pupils and students this year and especially in the cold season, it has become critical. In response, we are now actively looking for ways to ensure the necessary and appropriate ventilation.

So, we start the spring with new challenges, plans, and dreams, and we thank you very much for your support.