Nearly one year in, the escalation of conflict in Ukraine has displaced millions of people seeking safety and protection.

In collaboration with UNICEF Canada, students at Lord Byng and David Thompson secondary schools organized a fundraiser campaign called ‘Peace and Hope for Ukraine’ to support children and youth affected by the conflict.

Coordinated by the VSB Settlement Workers In Schools (SWIS) program and Lord Byng’s youth engagement club called Byng Project 3B, the campaign consisted of 13 student-led fundraiser initiatives to support the UNICEF Canada Ukraine Emergency Relief Fund.

Between their chess tournament, bottle recycling, crafting, rally for hope, walkathon, raffle draws, direct donations, dance shows and photography arts showcase, more than $8,000 has been raised for the relief fund to date.

“This phenomenal accomplishment is just one shining example of how Byng Project 3B works to Bridge, Bond and Build community at our school and to give back to our world,” says Damian Wilmann, principal of Lord Byng Secondary.

Wilmann says there are currently 150 students in the Byng Project 3B club and their work for the community, both globally and locally, continues to strengthen their school’s mission and goals.

In addition to this student-led initiative, last spring, the District’s Newcomer Welcome Centre (NWC) recruited 40 Ukrainian volunteers to support students and families coming from Ukraine.

As with all newcomers that visit the NWC, supports and services were provided and continue to be available to Ukrainian students and families including community supports for housing and employment, translation supports and orientation about VSB schools.

Since July 2022, the District welcomed 130 Ukrainian students to VSB schools and continues to provide supports to students and families coming from Ukraine and around the world.

In recognition of World Day of Social Justice on February 20, we continue to support our school communities and encourage dialogue that promotes social justice.