The following article comes from Anna Azarova, Communications Lead at The British International School, Ukraine.
On 22 October, the spirit of collaboration came alive as two Global School Alliance (GSA) and COBIS sister schools — Heritage International School in Moldova and The British International School, Ukraine (BISU) — joined together for an inspiring exchange. Three international teachers from BISU, Christopher Johnson, Andrew McCartney, and Nicholas Trott, made the journey from Kyiv to Chisinau, where they were warmly welcomed by their Moldovan counterparts.
This visit, hosted by Heritage International School, marked a significant chapter in the ongoing partnership between these two GSA and COBIS schools, united by a commitment to delivering a transformative educational experience across borders and fostering globally minded young people.
BISU and Heritage Partnership History
Both schools enjoy a robust partnership founded on a deep friendship and a shared dedication to providing students with enriching international experiences and stimulating interactions, alongside rigorous Cambridge and international curricula.
In past collaborations, Heritage invited BISU students to join a special NASA meeting, an opportunity that captivated both schools’ students and offered a unique window into space exploration.
Last year Heritage’s CEO and Director, Rob Ford, along with Tatiana Popa, Deputy Academic Director, and some of their students joined a special assembly at BISU during the UK Parliament Week. This event highlighted Heritage students’ active involvement in their student parliament, leaving a lasting impression on BISU teachers and children, who were motivated by their peers’ dedication to leadership and civic engagement.
Despite the extraordinary challenges currently facing Ukraine, the BISU student parliament remains active and engaged. Moreover, the Heritage community shared a series of heartfelt videos filled with words of support and encouragement for BISU. One particularly touching message was sent during the BISU Graduation Ceremony in June 2024. Amidst the air raid warnings, the BISU community came together in Kyiv to celebrate the end of the academic year, exemplifying resilience and solidarity.
Impact of the October Visit
The visit was thoughtfully organised by Tatiana Popa and Inga Chiosa, Academic Director, at Heritage International School.
Together with their colleagues, both leaders extended a warm and gracious welcome to the BISU teachers, ensuring they felt at home from the moment they arrived. Tatiana and Inga guided their guests through a comprehensive school tour, showcasing Heritage’s vibrant learning environment, innovative teaching spaces, and the diverse activities that enrich the students’ daily experiences.
Tatiana expressed, “We were happy to host the BISU teachers at Heritage and to share the best practices from Heritage International School. After years of collaboration online, this visit will set the stone of a stronger partnership between the schools, be it global projects, sister-school events, Student Councils and many more.”
Christopher said, “Even on first walking in there was an energy at the school. Immediately the atmosphere felt very natural as a school – kids rushing around, multiplication tables painted on the stairs, childrens’ art on the walls everywhere. The bright colours of everything added a great touch.”
Christopher also noted that Heritage is regarded by the local community as a leader and innovator in education.
The visit highlighted valuable insights into a forum that connects Student Parliaments from various schools, promoting collaboration and the exchange of ideas among students from different countries. The Climate Action School Programme at Heritage, aimed at advancing environmental initiatives, aligns well with BISU’s strategic objectives. BISU students are eager to engage in eco-projects, and this partnership could serve as a significant guide and source of inspiration for impactful environmental activities throughout Ukraine.
Tatiana also emphasised the importance of eTwinning, a collaborative network linking sister schools across Europe. This initiative offers a modern twist on the traditional “pen pal” experience, enabling shared projects and enriching learning opportunities for students and staff. Keeping students in Ukraine — the nation’s future leaders — connected to the global community is a vital task for BISU.
Christopher added, “Tatiana shared positive feedback on how effective the programme has been in connecting Heritage School with partners worldwide, and it’s evident that our students in Ukraine could greatly benefit from participating in such an initiative.”
Building on these collaborative efforts, both schools are now exploring the launch of Model United Nations (MUN) programmes, further enhancing their students’ engagement with global issues and diplomacy.
Historical Context
Moldova’s referendum on 20 October coincided with the visit, adding a layer of significance to this collaboration. A knife-edge majority of 50.46% of Moldovans voted “yes” in the pivotal referendum regarding the country’s aspirations to join the European Union, reflecting a strong desire for greater integration into Europe.
Tatiana commented, “We are hopeful that this autumn will bring the voice of our nation as looking westward, towards integration into the EU, and thus ensuring that we secure freedom, democracy and peace on our land.”
Christopher said, “The teachers we met were very curious about what it’s like to teach during the war. Tatiana expressed her gratitude, saying that if it weren’t for Ukraine, Russia would be probably knocking on their doorstep. Interestingly, while we were visiting, Moldova was holding elections, which have been clouded by allegations of Russian interference.”
As Ukraine continues to face the ongoing war, fighting not only for its independence and sovereignty but also for the fundamental values of humanity worldwide. The partnership between BISU and Heritage highlights how education plays a vital role – especially during a pivotal moment for both nations – in nurturing future leaders devoted to the principles of democracy, empathy and cooperation in an increasingly complex world.
Rob Ford emphasised, “One of the essential characteristics of an international school, any school who is outward facing and wants to connect to the World and bring the globe into the daily classroom, are school to school networks. Heritage collaborates with schools from Argentina to Wales to Indonesia. One of our most important partnerships is with our Black Sea Schools COBIS sister school, BISU. BISU and other schools in Ukraine, are demonstrating daily to the World how education provides hope, certainty and opportunity for a better future. The challenges of this abhorrent war on Ukraine, the wider instability and threats to the region, makes our partnership as sister COBIS schools even stronger.
It was a pleasure to welcome staff from BISU to Moldova, to plan further collaboration building on our already strong partnership and all of us pray for a real lasting peace for our communities and countries one day soon. We are also looking forward to stepping off the Chisinau to Kyiv train one day soon to visit the remarkable, resilient and resolute school community of BISU. Slava Ukraini!”
Shared Goals
Since the onset of the war in 2022, BISU has remained resolute in its mission to provide quality education for children in Ukraine. Among those leading this effort are international teachers, including Christopher, Andrew, and Nicholas, who have joined the BISU community onsite this year, bringing their expertise and dedication to the classroom.
These educators, who have travelled from across the globe, encounter a uniquely demanding yet rewarding environment each day, where they inspire and shape the next generation. They also contribute to BISU’s second school in Dnipro, Ukraine’s fourth-largest city in the east, further broadening their impact.
Their presence has brought immediate positive change and expanded global perspectives for BISU students. In a time when education transcends traditional boundaries, BISU — through its international and local educators — stands as a beacon of hope and stability. This pledge highlights the essential role of education in building a bright future for Ukraine.
Christopher Johnson said, “We briefly mentioned how teaching in Kyiv is one thing – the air raids are rare now and our missile defence system is good. However, the Dnipro school has a very different experience. It is not safe. When asked *Why are you guys going to Dnipro then?* Andrew and I explained that it meant a lot to us as teachers.”
Next Steps
As we look to the future, our focus will be on strengthening the partnership between BISU and Heritage International School and other COBIS schools through strategic initiatives.
Tatiana Popa mentioned, “We are happy to support our colleagues in Ukraine whenever possible. And it is always possible! We want to see Ukraine and Moldova thrive, including in the international education sector. We are lucky to be part of COBIS and have the myriad of opportunities offered to staff and students, this being the bridge for collaboration and sharing always. We are looking forward to many exciting events together!”
Christopher Johson added, “Andrew, Nicholas and I were overwhelmed by the hospitality of our hosts and the efficiency and impact of Heritage. BISU and Heritage are natural partners within the COBIS network and we look forward to strengthening our collaboration in the near future.”
P.S. By the time this article was completed, the official results of Moldova’s presidential election were announced: Pro-EU President Maia Sandu has secured a second term in a closely watched runoff, described by the BBC as a crucial choice between Europe and Russia.
