At the end of last year 12 million Ukrainians remained displaced from their homes either within the country or abroad - leaving behind friends and neighbours, jobs, universities and schools. This has had an effect of a 'brain drain' of Ukraine's academics and researchers.
As a result the Universities UK (UUK) twinning programme aims to bring each Ukrainian high education institution into a twinning relationship with a UK higher education provider. This initiative aims to provide urgent, targeted support now and in the future so that Ukraine's universities not only survive but emerge stronger - allowing them to play a critical role in post-war reconstruction.
Cranfield is proud to be involved in the twinning programme, and in March Professor Dame Helen Atkinson DBE, FREng, Pro-Vice-Chancellor of the School of Aerospace, Transport and Manufacturing, attended a House of Commons Reception on behalf of the University where the UUK initiative was celebrated.
Offering friendship and support: An urgent appeal
A short while ago we were approached by the . The Flight Academy has been in operation for more than 70 years and has trained more than 120,000 students from 80 countries. After a series of discussions to explore what would be most useful to our Ukraine partner we have discovered that their most immediate need is for expert help teaching English to their academics and students before the start of the new academic year.
Together we hope to be able to reduce the effect of a 'brain drain' of Ukraine's academics and researchers
This is an urgent appeal to ask for your support to help us to deliver online English classes, led by expert facilitators, to academic staff and students from Aviation Management and Aircraft Operations programmes at the university. These classes will equip our Ukrainian colleagues for opportunities with universities in the UK and the rest of the world, allowing them access to the latest knowledge in aerospace and aviation science, technology, and innovation.
English is a global language and one of the official languages of the International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO) but both faculty and students at the Academy are held back by their lack of English skills.
Can you help with a donation to provide online English classes before the start of the new academic year?
100% of all donations will go to providing English classes. If we raise more money than needed for this first phase, we will use donations to expand our support. We hope this will include a study visit to Cranfield to provide experience at the National Flying Laboratory Centre and remote sessions for those who are unable to leave the country at the present time.
Providing English classes academic staff and students is just the first phase of our plans, and we look forward to creating a bond that endures long after the conflict.
We hope you will join us to ensure our aerospace and aviation colleagues come out of this crisis with increased resources and skills. Thank you for your support.
Ways to give
The easiest way to . Please visit our secure online portal to make a one-off gift or set up a regular donation. A gift to the fund will help reduce the effect of a ‘brain drain’ and help ensure that aerospace and aviation academics and students come out of the crisis with increased resources and skills.
What’s more, as 麻豆社 is a registered charity, if you are a UK taxpayer we can claim Gift Aid on your donation. This means that we can reclaim 25% (based on tax year 2021/22) from HM Revenue and Customs and make your donation go further.
