Education unions show their continued solidarity with Ukraine
The war in Ukraine remains an issue of great concern for the international education union community, especially its impact on teachers, education support personnel and students, undermining the whole education system in the country.
The American Federation of Teachers (AFT), the Trade Union of Education and Science Workers of Ukraine (TUESWU), the Irish National Teachers’ Organization (INTO), the Korean Teachers and Education Workers Union (KTU, or Jeongyojo), NASUWT The Teachers Union and the National Education Union (NEU) of the United Kingdom, the Gewerkschaft Erziehung und Wissenschaft (GEW) of Germany, the Japan Teachers’ Union (JTU), the Australian Education Union (AEU), and the Zwiazek Nauczycielstwa Polskiego (ZNP) of Poland signed a joint letter of solidarity.
Ukraine’s fight is a stand for democracy worldwide
The signatories highlight: “We write to you as participants in a coalition of education unions across the globe united in defending democratic values. We are firmly aligned in support of Ukraine and are working together to make sure our governments act boldly and with clarity in the face of this ongoing destruction.”
They reaffirm that they “stand firmly with our colleagues in Ukraine whose classrooms have been devastated by war and who's right to teach and learn remains under constant threat. Their struggle is a reminder that the values we defend in our own country, the values inherent in democracy, are under attack and need our solidarity.”
Russia’s ongoing invasion of Ukraine has targeted civilians, destroyed crucial infrastructure and deliberately struck schools and universities, the letter explains. “These are acts of violence that aim to dismantle the fabric of Ukrainian society. Our support must reflect the urgency and gravity of this moment, recognizing that Ukraine’s fight is a stand for democracy worldwide.”
Pushing governments to continue to show moral leadership by sustaining support for Ukraine
The education unions also acknowledge that “we cannot look away from Ukraine. We are pushing our governments to continue to show moral leadership by sustaining humanitarian, diplomatic and financial support for Ukraine, and urging them to champion international cooperation that protects civilians, safeguards education systems and holds aggressors accountable. Standing with Ukraine affirms our shared commitment to protecting civilians, preserving access to education and ensuring that every child has the right to learn.”
“Continued aid and solidarity are essential to preserving hope, stability and the democratic values we all strive for. The decisions made now will define our commitment to those values for generations to come,” they conclude.
The letter has been sent to the Ukrainian Embassy in the United States, which confirmed it has been sent to Ukraine’s President Volodymyr Zelenskyy and Ukraine’s Foreign Affairs Minister Andrii Sybiha.
Education International calls on member organization to continue their solidarity with Ukrainian educators and students.
