Over 150,000 Ukrainian refugees have entered the second year of being resettled in the UK since being uprooted due to the ongoing conflict in Ukraine. But despite the difficulties they have faced, it has not stopped them from devoting their time, energy and passion into becoming key members of their local communities. Liudmyla Berezova, a lecturer and researcher from Kyiv has done all of this and more, exemplifying what can be achieved when presented with the right opportunities. Since June last year, the refugee has been utilising her 23-years’ experience in education to provide high-quality, bespoke learning support to Ukrainian children with the help of the in-home and online tutoring franchise, Tutor Doctor.
Thanks to a collaborative effort from Adie Twining and Suzie Boon, the franchisees of Tutor Doctor Central Southampton Salisbury and Tutor Doctor Winchester, Liudmyla has been given a platform to flourish and use her talent to transform students’ lives. Liudmyla, along with her son, came to the UK to escape the war early last year. And with much of their family still in occupied territory, settling into their new lives in Southampton has been no mean feat. Now, having recently been appointed as a Visiting Fellow at the faculties of education, humanities and social sciences at the University of Winchester, Liudmyla’s role in the Hampshire education system has been instrumental in ensuring refugees have equal access to high-quality, attentive services.
“My life has changed so much over the last 12 months – I certainly never thought I’d be a refugee,” explained Liudmyla. “Before the war began, I worked at the National University of Life Environmental Sciences of Ukraine. So, it was imperative that I found opportunities to use my skillset and give back to the Southampton community, which has been so supportive and helpful since my son and I came here. This is when I met Adie – he was the first person I met when seeking opportunities, and he offered me a real teaching job. Since joining Tutor Doctor and supporting the franchises’ local English-Speaking Lessons for Ukrainian refugees programme, I’ve been met with nothing but open arms and unwavering support from the entire network.
“It was inspiring to see Tutor Doctor act on the needs of the community and organise lessons for children to learn and adapt to their new surroundings. Tutor Doctor is the perfect place to develop personally and professionally. They’re so results driven and you can see the whole mission from the team – this is a huge thank you to Tutor Doctor for their support.”
As a driving force behind the success of the programme, which provides Ukrainian children in the local area with free English Speaking Language lessons, Liudmyla has been given a new lease of life in her career. “Inspired” by the response she, her son and her community of refugees have received by Adie, Suzie and the residents of Southampton, Liudmyla is delighted to have been given the opportunity to give back.
As franchisees driven by inspired by the notion of doing more for the community, Adie and Suzie have continued to work closely with Liudmyla, providing resources and nurturing her own professional development as she becomes instrumental to the progress of refugee education provision.
“Suzie and I couldn’t be happier about the progress the children have made with Liudmyla at the helm of their English lessons,” added Adie. “They’re now speaking English brilliantly and are continuing to enjoy the sessions! We’re incredibly proud to represent a franchise that is driven by making a real positive impact on the lives of people in our communities.”
If, like Tutor Doctor’s network of innovative and collaborative entrepreneurs, you are passionate about making a real, positive impact on your community, visit https:/www.tutordoctorfranchise.com/united-main
