THE UNIVERSITY of Warwick hosted the debut screening of a documentary showcasing the resilience and determination of young Ukrainians.
‘We Are U,’ shows at the university marking the beginning of its international tour, offering audiences a glimpse into the remarkable stories of people from various Ukrainian communities.
SavED, a charitable foundation dedicated to restoring access to education in regions affected by the Russian war, led the production of the documentary.
The documentary shines a spotlight on the experiences of young Ukrainians from Kharkiv, Zaporizhzhia, Mykolayiv, Kakhovka, and Lviv, who exhibit unwavering courage and drive amidst adversity.
Over the course of six months, the SavED team captured the journeys of these people, documenting not only their firsthand encounters with war but also their aspirations and innovative projects aimed at contributing to Ukraine’s recovery.
Guided by experienced mentors, including Andriy, principal of Mariupol Lyceum School, and Nataliya, a Ukrainian geography teacher, the students embarked on programmes designed to make a tangible impact in their communities.
Following the premiere, attendees had the opportunity to engage in a discussion session with the documentary’s protagonists, the students and their mentors.
The event was a collaborative effort led by Olenka Severenchuk, leader of the SavED team and participant in the Leadership for Educational Transformation programme.
Speaking about the documentary, Olenka expressed gratitude for the opportunity to share the inspiring stories of Ukrainian youth.
She highlighted the resilience and wisdom of the featured teenagers, who, despite facing adversity, remain committed to shaping a better future for their country.
“They are so young, but so wise and inspiring.”
Dr. Bo Kelestyn, creator of the Leadership for Educational Transformation programme, said: “This event is a great example of the impact the programme is having on Warwick.
“We are delighted we could welcome not only the Warwick students and staff but also the wider Coventry community to join us for the screening and conversation with the stars of the movie.”
