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CCES Students Speak With Ukrainian Students on Zoom

Kim Gendron, Social Media Coordinator

Last Thursday, a group of 8th grade CCES students had the privilege to learn firsthand about the current events in Ukraine. Through MS German Instructor, Anika Thiel, students were able to take part in a program run and moderated by the organization Peer-Leader-International that connects schools around the world with Ukrainian students to hear about their experiences and to learn what can be done to help. Anika heard about this incredible opportunity through the Ministry of Education in Germany who spread word of the program to all German school instructors. In addition to CCES, schools from Germany, Italy, Spain, and South Africa also participated via Zoom. The video conference call took place in the Upper School Presentation room which, thanks to recent upgrades, was an ideal location. Students were able to utilize an 82-inch crystal UHD display, additional omnidirectional ceiling microphones, new speakers, and an upgraded HD webcam to best see, hear, and interact with their fellow students across the globe.
 
There were three Ukrainian students on the call, and they opened with a presentation that included topics about what is currently happening, what cities have been impacted, and the fight against disinformation. As they shifted to speak on what other countries and people can do to help, they shared: “We see and feel all the support from you, wherever you are, and are grateful for everything you are doing.” They spoke of the importance of continuing to stay informed and other opportunities to help, including donating resources and aiding refugees.
 
Senior Chaplain, Rev. Wallace Adams-Riley joined the call and offered prayers for peace and well-being for the people of Ukraine. After the Zoom concluded, he led another prayer for CCES students and encouraged them to both reflect on this experience and consider ways they can support the Ukrainian people, including continuing to pray because “prayer is powerful.”
 
This experience was both eye-opening and heavy for our students, but they expressed gratitude at the opportunity to learn more about the war from the perspective of their Ukrainian peers. Henry ’26 expressed the importance of knowing about disinformation and the role it has played in the war thus far. He also shared that he has seen his sister help with refugees in Germany and would like to do the same if given the opportunity here. Helene ’26 found it hard to hear about the terrible events firsthand, but came away from this experience with much admiration for how “strong and confident Ukraine is as a country.” Wrigley ’26 commented: “Hearing them talk about the situation and referring to Ukraine as their home really nailed in the reality of war. You don’t fully understand what is happening until you hear someone mentioning their friends and family who are being affected.”
 
Please join us in continuing to pray for peace and safety in the Ukraine, including the following prayer written by MS Chaplain, John Mark Elliott.
 
God of Peace and Justice,
Have mercy this day on the people of Ukraine.
We pray for those who are experiencing fear,
that your Spirit of comfort would draw near.
We pray for those in power – elected leaders and governments,
that wisdom, compassion, and courage would guide them.
We pray for the vulnerable and for their children,
that you would shield and protect them.
We pray for peace.
We pray in the name of Jesus, the Prince of Peace,
Amen.

To learn more about this program and their efforts, please visit Peer-Leader-International’s website here.

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  • David Dzidzikashvili
    Evil can only be stopped once it is defeated! David vs Goliath is todays Ukraine fighting the evil Russia! Ukraine desperately needs game-changer modern weapons from the NATO countries. This is the only way we can stop the evil Dictator Putin and his war criminal generals, oligarchs and cronies (who fund and support the war efforts). This is the only way we can stop this war – make 100% sure Ukraine wins and will be victorious on the battlefield! God Bless Ukraine! God Bless the USA!
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