Letter: Mentoring Ukrainian students can help shape future generations

Letter to the editor

Every Sunday at 11 a.m., my computer screen lights up to the enthusiastic “Good morning” from Alice and Ruslan. Although the three of us are separated by 5,788 miles and a war zone, we feel closely connected as mentor and mentee, focusing on English vocabulary.

As a mentor in the nonprofit organization ENGin for nearly two years, I provide mentorship in conversational English skills to children in Ukraine, supporting them during adversity and promoting cultural exchange. With its mission to support Ukraine’s economic and social development, the organization has empowered more than 55,000 Ukrainian learners with the help of over 26,000 volunteers since its inception in 2020. This year, I was selected alongside 30 other volunteers globally to be an ENGin Ambassador.

My involvement with the organization began during the start of the Russo-Ukrainian War, when children were suffering the consequences of the conflict at no fault of their own. As I began mentoring my students, I felt that the drive they had to pursue their learning despite their struggles was worth fighting for. Having the opportunity to empower these children to reach their full potential continues to be a rewarding experience for me, not only because I can contribute to their intellectual growth, but also as our interactions contribute to my personal growth.

I currently work with two students, one whom I have worked with for nearly two years, and the other who started a year later. Our weekly video calls, despite their simplicity, create bonds between us as we together explore each other’s cultures, talk about our weeks, and have casual conversations filled with laughter. I have been involved in similar community service missions since a young age, as I strive to give back to the community that has shaped me, yet ENGin continues to create a lasting impact on me as it has allowed me to develop a new worldview and learn from my students’ experiences. Beyond helping my students advance their English proficiency, the program has greatly improved our communication skills as we learn to communicate in ways beyond language. Whether it be sending a simple picture of a rainbow outside or reflecting on individual beliefs, the casual interactions between students and mentors in ENGin instill a sense of friendship and emotional support.

As I continue working towards breaking down language barriers and providing support through ENGin, I am filled with a sense of purpose that motivates me to expand my impact, to ensure that all students have the necessary resources to be successful. We all play a role in shaping the future generations of changemakers, and ENGin is an invaluable opportunity to contribute to the empowerment of our youth to prepare them for success in their futures. Learn more about how you can support the cause at ENGin.org.  

Thank you,
Shivi Tripathi
Senior, Eastside High School
Gainesville, FL