Credit: Ukrainian Mriya School
The Ukrainian School Mriya recently completed its third academic year in Luxembourg. Organised by the non-profit association LUkraine asbl, this Saturday school offers Ukrainian children the opportunity to continue learning the Ukrainian language, history and culture while living abroad. Chronicle.lu spoke with the director, Olena Berkovich, about the school’s activities, the support received in Luxembourg and plans for the future.
Chronicle.lu: How has Ukrainian School Mriya evolved over the past three years in terms of structure, educational approach and student numbers?
Olena Berkovich: The "Mriya" School was founded in 2022 under the initiative of the LUkraine asbl association to support Ukrainian children displaced by the war. Over three years, it has grown into a vibrant educational centre. The school combines traditional Ukrainian subjects with modern, interactive methods and offers workshops in creative arts, theatre, languages and sports. It has also evolved into a broader cultural hub for the Ukrainian community in Luxembourg and the Greater Region.
Chronicle.lu: Where were the classes held during the 2024/25 school year, and are there any changes planned for the coming year?
Olena Berkovich: Since September 2024, the school has been operating at the Lycée Technique du Centre in Limpertsberg, with support from the Luxembourg Ministry of Education, Children and Youth, particularly through the Service de l’intégration et de l’accueil scolaires. Earlier locations included the Commune of Leudelange, Strassen’s Ukrainian House and Amazon’s office spaces. As for the 2025/26 school year, the text mentions plans to broaden workshop offerings and strengthen cooperation with Luxembourgish institutions, but does not explicitly state whether the location will change.
Chronicle.lu: How is the school funded? Do you receive support from local or national institutions in Luxembourg, or from the Ukrainian community?
Olena Berkovich: The school is funded through a combination of public, municipal and private support. It benefits from the involvement of Luxembourg’s Ministry of Education, Children and Youth, as well as local municipalities such as Leudelange and Strassen, which provided key assistance during its early stages. Private-sector partners, including Amazon, have also supported the school’s activities. In the 2024/25 academic year, additional backing came from the Lions Club Grand-Duché de Luxembourg - District 113. Looking ahead, the school is actively seeking new sponsors, donors and partners to help sustain its operations in 2025/26, particularly in the areas of educational materials, technical equipment, staffing and extracurricular programmes.
Chronicle.lu: How many children currently attend the school on Saturdays, how many classes are there, and what is the age range of the students?
Olena Berkovich: More than 120 children, aged three to thirteen, attend classes every Saturday from 10:00 to 14:00, followed by optional workshops.
Chronicle.lu: Are all the students based in Luxembourg, or do some families travel from other regions or even neighbouring countries?
Olena Berkovich: While most pupils live in Luxembourg, some families travel from France, Belgium and Germany, highlighting the school’s regional importance.
Chronicle.lu: What subjects are taught, and how is the curriculum adapted for children who have been living abroad for a prolonged period?
Olena Berkovich: The curriculum combines core Ukrainian subjects with content tailored to children who have been living abroad. It incorporates lessons on Luxembourgish culture, history and traditions, supporting both academic development and social integration. The programme also includes a wide range of workshops such as creative arts, theatre, language enrichment and sports. The overall approach balances traditional education with modern, interactive methods designed to meet the needs of children adapting to a new environment while maintaining a connection to their cultural roots.
Chronicle.lu: What are your near-future plans for the school? Are you considering expanding, launching new programmes or introducing extracurricular activities?
Olena Berkovich: Yes. We are planning to expand our extracurricular offering by introducing new creative and technical programmes. In the coming academic year, we aim to launch a new robotics workshop to help children develop logical thinking, technical skills and problem-solving abilities. This will add to our existing lineup of art therapy, theatre, culinary arts, music, folk dance and yoga. We also aim to strengthen cooperation with Luxembourgish educational and cultural institutions and to ensure ongoing support for students’ emotional well-being, creativity and cultural identity.
(Caption: Olena Berkovich, Director of the Ukrainian School Mriya; Credit: Ali Sahib, Chronicle.lu)
