A First Ukrainian School Bell Rings in Belfast

For some, it was simply the first school bell of a new academic year.

For others, it was the first school bell of their lives — and one that rang thousands of miles from home.

On 13th September 2026, Ukrainian children in Belfast gathered for the first celebration at their new Ukrainian school. Some of them may have walked Ukrainian streets only recently. Now, far from their homeland, they stood together to begin a new chapter in their education and their lives.

There was excitement, curiosity and joy in their eyes. For many of the adults watching, there were tears.

The moment carried a powerful reminder of how important it is to give Ukrainian children what the war should never have taken from them: childhood, friendship, their native language, a sense of belonging and a connection to home.

Today marked the opening of the first educational project — a Ukrainian school in Belfast.

But the school is intended to be much more than a place for lessons.

It is a space where Ukrainian will be spoken and where children will learn about Ukrainian culture, history and traditions. It is a place where they can speak their native language without having to explain why they miss Ukraine; where they can make friends, find support and hear the simple but important words: “You are not alone. We are together.”

Supporting children’s wellbeing

An important part of the project is its focus on children’s mental wellbeing.

The school aims to create a safe and welcoming environment where every child can be heard, where their feelings matter, and where they can laugh, play and build friendships while gradually processing the difficult changes that war and displacement have brought into their lives.

The project also hopes to become a welcoming space for parents and families. The vision is for Ukrainian families in Belfast to find not only educational opportunities here, but also friendship, support and a sense of community.

The organisers expressed their heartfelt gratitude to the grant providers, volunteers, teachers, partners and everyone who contributed their time, energy and care to making the project possible.

Their support, they said, is valued not only because it helped create an educational initiative, but because it directly benefits Ukrainian children and their families.

Special thanks were also extended to representatives of Skeinós for providing the opportunity to hold this special day and begin the school’s story in such a meaningful setting.

The organisers also expressed particular gratitude to Alan Moore, Honorary Consul of Ukraine in Northern Ireland, for his assistance in bringing the educational project to life, his continued support and his commitment to the initiative.

A special thank you also goes to Alisa Lymanska for the wonderful photographs that captured and preserved the warmest moments of this educational project. Her talent, attention to detail and thoughtful eye have given everyone involved the opportunity to relive these special moments through photographs. 📸💙💛

A first step towards a bigger story

Today was only the first school bell.

But for the children who stood together in Belfast, it may become the beginning of a much bigger story.

Years from now, they may not remember every word spoken on their first day. They may not remember every detail of the ceremony.

But they may remember how it felt.

The day they heard their native language far from Ukraine.

The day they met new friends.

The day they felt part of a Ukrainian community.

The day the first Ukrainian school bell rang for them in Belfast.

The hope is that the school will always be filled with children’s laughter, sincere smiles, friendship, knowledge and dreams.

Above all, it is a place where every Ukrainian child who walks through its doors can feel:

“I am home. I am not alone. I am part of Ukraine, wherever I may be.”

💙💛

(* With the support of the Consulate of Ukraine in Edinburgh and the Honorary Consul of Ukraine in Northern Ireland.)