To unite and help everyone grow — this is precisely the mission of the All-Ukrainian Association of Educational Projects. How can you build a community where every educational institution is not a competitor, but a partner? How can you support educators in challenging times and give them the strength to keep working for children?
Svitlana Pliushcheva, CEO and co-founder of the public organizations All-Ukrainian Association of Educational Projects and Parents’ Union, shares the story — from a small Club of School Directors to a nationwide association that now brings together over 200 members across Ukraine.
Svitlana, could you tell us how the idea for the Association came about? Where did it all begin?
For me, this story started back in 2020 — although the groundwork had been laid earlier. In 2017, the Parents’ Union NGO was already actively working, and in 2019 we created the Club of School Directors. It was a small circle of people who shared experiences, supported each other, and looked for ways to develop private education.
Over time, we realized that simple communication wasn’t enough — we needed real results, collective action. When the pandemic hit in 2020, that became a turning point for our whole community. Educational institutions were in crisis: state schools couldn’t operate, and private ones were searching for legal ways to reopen. Our lawyer, Kostiantyn, helped develop a legal algorithm that allowed kindergartens and schools to resume work lawfully.
Within just a month, more than 60 schools and educational centers from different regions joined us. People were looking for support — for a community where they could act together. That’s when it became clear: we needed to create an association — an organization that could not only unite educators but also represent private education at the national level That’s how the All-Ukrainian Association of Educational Projects was born in 2020.
How many members does the Association have today, and who are they?
Right now, our community includes about 220 participants from all over Ukraine — from Uzhhorod to Dnipro, Kharkiv, and Sumy, with the largest number based in Kyiv. These are kindergartens, schools, children’s and educational centers, as well as online schools that are actively growing. We also have partners — companies working in the educational sphere that join our events and offer special conditions for our members.
In fact, we’re building an ecosystem, where everyone can find support, opportunities, and partners for growth.
What does being part of the Association give its members?
We don’t set strict boundaries — each participant gets what they truly need. For some, it’s business development or legal advice; for others, partnerships or even personal support. There were cases when participants struggled for years to stabilize their projects, and through the Association’s support — just four months of active involvement — they finally managed to do it.
Our Association is more than a professional network. It’s a community where people genuinely care for each other, even beyond work matters. Many say it feels like a big family — and it’s true. Some of our members have been with us for five years already. We grow together, support one another… and sometimes joke that one day we’ll all fly to the Maldives just to celebrate everything we’ve achieved.
Do you also have public institutions among your members? It seems most are private institutions.
Yes, most of our members are private kindergartens, schools, and learning centers. But we do have one state school — Budokan Secondary School in Lviv. It’s an incredible team, very open-minded, innovative, and brave enough to go beyond traditional state education. They joined us before the war, later stepped away for a while, and recently came back.
This is a very telling example — when a public school chooses to grow through partnership with private educators, seeking new models and formats.
Unfortunately, for now, we can’t work systematically with many state schools — it requires separate coordination, resources, and funding. If we had support for public–private partnerships, we would gladly bring in proactive principals and create joint projects.
The demand for change is there — but not everyone is ready to invest in it, even symbolically. So, we move forward step by step, within our means.
Tell us about your team. Who stands behind the Association and keeps everything running?
Our team is small but powerful — just five people. And honestly, without them, our community wouldn’t be what it is today.
First of all, there’s Andrii Blyzniuk, our founder and visionary. He’s the one who “sees the bigger picture.” Andrii sets the direction, asks deep questions — about the role of private education in Ukraine, its value, and how it differs from the public system. He helps shape the philosophy that unites us all.
I handle the operational side — all member requests come through me. It’s daily communication, problem-solving, event organization. Sometimes it’s legal issues (“We’re facing an inspection — what do we do?”), sometimes parent conflicts, or finding an expert for a webinar… or simply being there for someone who needs support. My mornings and nights often start with the same message: “Svitlana, please help!” — and I always look for a solution.
Another key person is Kostiantyn Padalka, our co-founder and the only lawyer in Ukraine who specializes specifically in educational law. He’s truly a unique expert — his work became the foundation for many of our decisions during lockdowns and wartime.
And, of course, we have wonderful assistants who help with coordination, events, and documentation. We may be a small team — but we’re united by one vision, and each of us puts a piece of our heart into this work.
Who can become a member of the Association? And what benefits does it bring to an educational institution?
Anyone representing the educational field can join us — as long as they share our values and genuinely strive for change in the education system. Most importantly, it’s about people who carry the values of non-violence — in personal communication, in teaching practice, and in their relationships with children and colleagues. We stand firmly against aggression, bullying, or pressure in any form within the educational environment.
It’s also essential that a person or institution is open to collaboration. We don’t see other educators as competitors — quite the opposite. We believe that the more quality educational initiatives appear, the stronger the entire field becomes. When there are dozens of schools with different approaches and philosophies, movement begins — there’s room for choice, innovation, and growth.
Our members are people who want not just to “survive” in education, but to develop, create, share, learn, and inspire. And, of course, these are people for whom growth and exchange of experience are a natural need. We often say: educators are special people. They can’t stand still — they need movement, meaning, and community.
How can someone join the Association?
It’s very simple — just write to me. We always start with a conversation to see whether our values, vision, and goals align. If they do — the person joins the community, and from the very first days, they already feel the support of their colleagues.
However, there are exceptions. We don’t accept participants who violate ethical norms or undermine trust within the community. There were cases when we had to exclude institutions — for example, for unethical or hostile actions against colleagues. This goes against our principles of openness, partnership, and integrity.
So yes, we stand firmly by our values: there’s no place here for those who play unfairly.
Could you tell us about some educational projects implemented under the Association’s umbrella?
We have several areas of activity, but one of the most significant focuses is psychological support for educators and children. Our first large-scale step in this direction was a partnership with the international humanitarian NGO IsraAID from 2022 to 2024. During this collaboration, we organized offline events across Ukraine, hosting psychological training sessions for teachers, preschool educators, school psychologists, and administrative staff.
Over this period, we conducted more than 200 training sessions, provided ongoing support from psychologists and specialists within newly created child-friendly spaces, and held two three-day forums in Ivano-Frankivsk dedicated to sharing the best psychological practices.
We received a grant to implement a national program on psychological and emotional support in educational institutions. This included areas such as psychological first aid, nonviolent communication, and psychosocial skills development for both children and educators.
In 2024, we continued this mission — this time in partnership with the “Parents’ Union” NGO, within the project “Improving the mental health and psychosocial well-being of children during the summer holidays”, funded by the Government of Japan and UNESCO. It became one of the largest educational grants in UNESCO’s European history.
In just six weeks, we trained 202 national trainers, and the program reached almost 5,000 teachers, educators, and psychologists. Altogether, 380 schools and summer camps joined the initiative, and over 160,000 children received psychosocial support through play-based methods.
One of our partners was the Ukrainian board game producer Lord of Boards. Together, we created special game sets for children aged 5+, now used in schools and camps. Among them is a unique game called “Borshch” — fun, educational, and deeply Ukrainian. It helps children learn about cultural heritage, regional flavors, and traditions through play.
Many activities took place even in bomb shelters — and it was the game that helped children switch off from anxiety, at least for a while. We saw the real results: children became calmer, their sleep and mood improved, and teachers noticed that they began to smile again.
One of the most touching stories came from a game called “What’s Behind Your Door?”
Children would open imaginary doors and talk about what they felt. A little girl once said she couldn’t sleep because she missed her mother, who had stayed in Kharkiv. It was during that game that the psychologist could help her express her pain and find relief.
Moments like these remind us that education today is not just about knowledge — it’s therapy for the soul. And that’s what our Association is all about — restoring children, educators, and the entire educational community.
Do you currently collaborate with any state or international organizations beyond these projects?
We actively cooperate with our members, who also run their own educational initiatives.
And as an association, we also organize educational trips abroad, involving not only children but also teachers and parents. It’s not just sightseeing tours, but educational visits to schools and universities, to explore how other systems work and what opportunities await students beyond school. These projects often become bridges between Ukrainian families and international education. We help them connect, plan logistics, and navigate choices.
Right now, we’re also preparing to renew our partnership with international associations of private schools — something we had before the war. That direction slowed down for a while, but today, our members are ready to move forward again — to open up, rebuild partnerships, and grow globally.
You mentioned educational visits — could you tell us more about them?
Yes, this is one of our most beloved formats. We organize tours of schools and kindergartens across Ukraine to show participants real-life examples of success — how different institutions operate, how their spaces are designed, how their teams grow and evolve. We visit both large and small, but always innovative and inspiring institutions. These meetings always happen in an incredibly warm and open atmosphere, and participants leave with the feeling that “it’s possible — and necessary — to move forward.”
I remember one story that has stayed with me. On February 20, 2022, we were holding one of these school tours — everyone was inspired, smiling, full of plans. Just a few days later, the full-scale invasion began. And that very morning, on February 24, one of the participants wrote to me: “I can’t be alone. I’ve just paid the membership fee — I want to join the community.”
That was the moment we all realized — support is not a formality, it’s a lifeline.
And what international directions is the Association developing now?
Our members run educational institutions not only in Ukraine but also in Vienna, Warsaw, Barcelona, Estonia, and Canada. This gives us a chance to exchange experiences, hold joint events, and stay connected as one educational community, even when we’re geographically apart.
One area we’re now actively developing is collaboration with Italy, particularly with the Reggio Emilia educational approach. One of our partners recently organized a professional study trip to Italian preschools, where Ukrainian educators spent several days living and working alongside local teachers — observing, learning, and exchanging insights. Such trips are truly transformative — they bring incredible inspiration and professional renewal.
And, of course, among our international partners is ELIIS, which provides digital solutions for preschools. It’s another wonderful example of how Ukrainian education is integrating into the global context — while preserving its own unique values.
Ms. Svitlana, what do you think are the main challenges facing preschool education in Ukraine today?
The biggest challenge, I’d say, is the demographic crisis, especially in the frontline regions. Where families have been forced to leave, kindergartens are closing, and many groups are half-empty. At the same time, there’s another picture: for example, in Kharkiv our organization is already opening its eighth or ninth kindergarten. So the situation varies greatly — in some areas there are not enough children, and in others, not enough buildings.
Another challenge is staffing. The profession of an educator requires a lot of dedication and emotional energy. There are teachers who follow their calling — they can work with children for 10–20 years and never lose inspiration. But there are also those who burn out after just a few years. It’s important to give such professionals a chance to grow — to move into the role of a methodologist, senior educator, or find a new place within the system.
And what about parents? Do you have any special projects or initiatives aimed at supporting them?
Yes, we implemented the project “Don’t Hit the Child” — it shows that upbringing can happen without violence, without shouting, but instead with respect and care. Of course, adults need their own inner resources for that.
In 2025, together with the Ukrainian Education Foundation, we created an educational booklet “Children Have the Right to Safety” for Children’s Day. Its main message is simple but deeply important: Every child has the right to grow up without fear, without humiliation, and without shouting.
Through a QR code, parents can access more materials — advice, links, and real-life examples. We shared the booklet among families — and received countless heartfelt messages in return. Parents said it felt like reading obvious things, but in everyday rush they often forget them. And it’s true: when an adult is emotionally exhausted — “like a squeezed lemon” — what can they possibly give to a child?
How, in your opinion, can we strengthen the bond between parents and children today?
First of all, we need to work with the emotional well-being of adults — through psychotherapy or other ways of support. Anyone who feels depleted deserves help. Because a tired parent cannot give peace or warmth to their child.
Second — time. We live in a difficult period: work, responsibilities, constant running. And in this race, it’s easy to lose what matters most — the connection with your child. We stop living and start merely surviving.
I remember last year when Ukraine was shaken by a wave of teenage suicides...Often, the reason wasn’t a great tragedy, but simply that adults missed the small signals. And sometimes all it takes is 20–30 minutes of sincere conversation a day. No phones, no rush. Just ask: “How are you?”, “What makes you happy?”, “What shall we play today?” Those few minutes can become the most precious ones in the world.
Does your Association have programs that support the psychological well-being of participants?
Yes, we pay a lot of attention to that. I regularly reach out to our members — once every month or two I write: “How are you? Do you need any support?”
Sometimes I hear, “We didn’t want to bother you…” — but I always remind them: you need to talk. Over time, people open up — and later, they’re the ones who message first.
We also hold psychological sessions with Inna Yavorska, a psychotherapist from Vinnytsia — our partner and member of the Association. These can be online or in-person meetings where everyone has space to speak, share, and find support.
Most of our events are online — since participants come from all over Ukraine and even abroad. But we also make sure to meet in person. And those gatherings are always about the same things — unity, trust, and moving forward together.
Ms. Svitlana, does the Association have experience participating in projects related to digitalization in education?
Yes, in 2023 we were part of a comprehensive IT-education project called “Mriya”, focused on digitalizing educational processes. We acted as expert partners — helping with development and advising on how best to organize digital interaction in schools and kindergartens.
In addition, our members themselves initiate and run tech-related events. For example, recently there was an event “IT Tools in Education” hosted by our member Oksana Rybaieva, where they discussed modern digital solutions that make teachers’ work easier. We see that digitalization is no longer just a trend — it’s a necessity.
Our partners actively support this direction, too. For schools, we cooperate with School Today, and for kindergartens — with ELIIS. These are reliable companies that share our mission — developing quality education in Ukraine.
And it’s important: you can’t just become an Association partner automatically. We choose only those who genuinely want to support educators. Some offer discounts, others provide training or technical solutions. There have been cases when our members saved up to half a million hryvnias using partner offers — for example, when purchasing interactive panels or classroom furniture. And that matters, because those funds can be redirected into developing their own projects.
With the war, many Ukrainian families ended up abroad. Ukrainian private education is opening institutions outside Ukraine. How has the full-scale invasion affected the Association’s work?
Honestly, our approach hasn’t changed — we remain a community built on communication. We’re always in touch: with the government, with members, with parents. The only thing that changed was the scale of challenges.
At the start of the war, it was extremely difficult. We helped evacuate our members from frontline cities — Irpin, Bucha, Zaporizhzhia, Kharkiv, and others. There were stories where children were literally led out through sewer tunnels, under fire. It was terrifying, but people stuck together. We helped find temporary homes — in Austria, Spain, Portugal. We wrote to partners abroad, and they opened their doors to our people.
I remember receiving a message late at night: “Svitlana, my mom and child are at the station, nowhere to sleep.” I called another member at 2 a.m. She said, “Give me the address, I’m going.” And she went. Moments like that stay with you. They showed that community is strength.
Today, the hardest part is psychological fatigue. Schools sometimes have to close, people burn out. But we support each other. We all need a helping hand. And our Association is exactly that hand. Because when you hear: “I’m not alone, I have the same problems” — it becomes a little easier. And the most important thing — we don’t just listen, we provide solutions. That’s probably what helps people hold on.
Are there success stories among your members where collaboration within the community brought real results?
Absolutely! We often see how support within the community literally saves institutions. Some kindergartens were already preparing to close or sell, but we helped them find partners among Association members — people who supported them both financially and psychologically. As a result, these kindergartens not only survived but became profitable and successful. In the last two to three years, we have at least five such cases, and each is proof of the power of uniting.
In your opinion, what hinders the development of preschool education in Ukraine the most?
The biggest problem is the low prestige of the educator profession. If we want change, we need to make being an educator honorable, modern, and inspiring.
We joke among ourselves: if an educator became the “IT specialist in the world of pedagogy”, everyone would want to work with children. Because this isn’t just a job — it’s an impact on the country’s future.
Before the war, we actively communicated with students, motivating them to choose pedagogy. Now it’s harder, but we don’t stop. Because even raising the prestige one or two levels higher, and offering fair salaries, will spark interest among young people.
Preschool education is the starting point of society itself. This is where we invest in children love, values, and self-belief. These little ones will grow into specialists, leaders, and creators of the future. I even dream of a national flashmob of educators, where we show just how many sincere, loving, and dedicated teachers there are in Ukraine. Then the profession of educator will finally get the prestige it deserves.
Ms. Svitlana, you have such a diverse professional background, and now you work with educators. What personally motivates you to stay in this field?
What motivates me the most is constant growth and development. Education is a living, dynamic field — something new happens every day, and interacting with people inspires and energizes me.
When I visit modern kindergartens or schools, it feels like entering another world. I went to a regular public school in the Zaporizhzhia region, and compared to how my daughter is learning now in a private school—it’s a completely different world. There’s motivation, kindness, an atmosphere of joy. In kindergartens — warm celebrations, theater performances, trips, little things that make you feel at home. I always joke: “I never visit before lunchtime — otherwise, I’ll definitely end up sitting at the table with all the kids.”
I’m also inspired by helping people. When I can make someone’s path easier, speed up a decision, so that they have more time for themselves, their child, or their life — that’s real satisfaction.
And thanks to our community, everything gets solved faster: sometimes a person searches for an answer for two weeks, and here, a message in the community chat is enough — and an hour later, there’s a ready solution. That’s the power of unity.
What are the Association’s plans for the next five years?
We have many plans. We’re looking forward and want to develop cooperation with international organizations so they can support our members — from psychological assistance to material aid.
For example, this could mean purchasing books, equipment, and learning materials for our schools and kindergartens. Cooperation with the state is also important — we aim to promote the prestige of the educator and teacher profession on a national level, supported by government structures.
We have already taken part in developing the “Money Follows the Child” law, and this fall we’re organizing a major event to explain to educators across Ukraine how they can secure funding for their institutions. This initiative gives parents more choice and allows the state to ease the load on the education system.
And, of course, we want to strengthen our community, uniting educators across the country, because: “The more of us there are — the stronger our voice and influence for change.”
Finally — what would you like to wish to everyone working in preschool education?
First of all — love what you do. Enjoy every moment, every graduation, every child’s smile. These are the little things that give real meaning to your work. And remember: you are not alone. There are colleagues, partners, associations — people who are always there to support you.
I wish you resilience, optimism, inspiration, and the ability to find joy in the small things. And learn from children — their sincerity, openness, and love for life.
🎭 Behind the Scenes of the Profession
At the end of each interview, we ask our heroes a few personal questions that reveal them in a new light — beyond work, but still with the heart of an educator.
What is your favorite children’s book, and why?
"Beauty and the Beast." Because behind every person who seems strict or closed off, there is always a kind, sincere soul. Sometimes life just makes us wear different masks. This story resonates deeply with me — it’s about acceptance, faith in goodness, and the power of love that can change even the darkest heart.
What advice would you give to your younger self?
"Do what you love" — that’s the most important. And also — get behind the wheel earlier! But in general — don’t be afraid. Move forward. Believe that everything will work out. Leave no room for doubts, even the tiniest ones. Because every bit of confidence opens up new possibilities.
What might surprise our readers about you?
Probably that I’m a person who lives in constant interaction, yet I recharge only in silence. I need time alone with myself to refill my energy. Many think that if you’re communicative, you gain energy from people. But no — my energy comes from calm, from my own quiet. This is my space for balance, reflection, and new ideas.
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Contacts of the All-Ukrainian Association of Educational Projects
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