Students at DVSS shared a message of support and hope to students in Ukraine.
Grade 10 student Olivia Anderson, was inspired to compile a video to support students who are trying to piece together their education in the war-torn country, by Lynn Hemming who was substituting in math.
“She was telling us she had plans to teach classes of Ukrainian students over Zoom, and she wanted to make something for them, like a video or some message from a student at DVSS,” Anderson explained. “I was approached by Mr. Bjel (social studies teacher) if I was willing to get more involved with making a video and I said yes it would probably be an interesting project.”
Ms. Hemming found a volunteer opportunity to teach Ukrainian students who attend a private school in Kyiv twice a week.
“Most of them are out of the country for safety. I found out about this volunteer opportunity and have really enjoyed working with these kids who are between 10 and 14 years of age and am doing two lessons a week with them,” explained Hemming.
She said while she had an initial idea, when Anderson got involved it took things a step further.
Anderson set about gathering messages of support, words of encouragement, and poetry. She herself prepared a poem for the project. She compiled it using her video editing skills and packaged it.
“I really enjoy putting together short films and whatnot,” said Anderson, adding it was quite easy to have students participate.
“I think everyone is affected by the war in some way.”
Last week Hemming had the opportunity to share the video with students she is working with in Ukraine and it was very well received.
“I played that video to these kids in Ukraine who are living under some horrendous circumstances and they absolutely loved it,” said Hemming.
She also passed along a message from one of the teachers she is working with. It reads, “I’m impressed by the movie, and I am impressed that all these people spent their time, tried to describe the feeling we have, tried to find the words of support, made this movie.
“I am so thankful to you personally and to all people who feel so empathy for our nation. And yes - like it said in the movie - Stay strong. We are and we will.”
Anderson is grateful for the opportunity to use her skills in a positive way.
“Every message and every word we said was entirely genuine, and I’m glad I could create a video that really helps make that come across,” said Anderson.
