ADRA Germany Supports Ukrainian Refugee Students
24 March 2025 |
The Adventist Development and Relief Agency (ADRA) is partnering with the Marienhöhe School Center in Darmstadt, Germany, to support low-income students affected by the war in Ukraine through the Zhyve Slovo (Living Word) School. Run by the Seventh-day Adventist Church, the school has become a haven for the families devastated by the conflict, aiding displaced individuals by providing support through housing and “programs designed to support their physical, social, and mental well-being.”
According to the project’s page on ADRA Germany’s website, the project has three objectives:
“a) to provide access to education for children from poor backgrounds, b) to support young people at school in choosing their future work in the public media, and c) to train teachers and offer them psychological support.“
When considering the first objective, Adventist News Network has cited:
“Fourteen children from economically challenged families in both eastern and western Ukraine are currently receiving education subsidies through this project. ADRA is covering 65 percent of each student’s tuition fees, helping ensure their continued enrollment at Zhyve Slovo School.
Depending on the local security situation, classes are held either in person or online to maintain continuity of education despite the challenges of conflict.”
Workshops led by communications professionals are available to students who want to discuss the nuances of potential vocations. A radio studio is also being developed for the school to learn about broadcasting and production. These tools offer hands-on experience for students who want to engage in media, learning from experts and environments that can inform their future careers.
Finally, teachers are being offered necessary care as they stand on the frontlines of the crisis. Many rely on teachers to bridge the gap between young students and the devastating reality of their environment. This responsibility has often come at the cost of their well-being, neglecting the truth that they also have been personally affected by the loss. The last objective endeavors to support teachers through wellness retreats and access to mental health professionals who can provide counseling and guidance for academic and emotional demands. In this way, teachers can feel equipped to help their students.
The program has proven to be a necessary gift to refugees and internally displaced peoples within Ukraine. The ministry efforts of ADRA Germany and Marienhöhe School Center will no doubt prove to be a flourishing partnership.
