TEEI Joins Forces with the Ukrainian Parliament
The Educational Equality Institute (TEEI) is excited to announce a groundbreaking partnership with the Verkhovna Rada of Ukraine.
TEEI becomes the primary provider of English language training for the Ukrainian Parliament as part of the Together for Ukraine initiative, supporting refugees, internally displaced persons (IDPs), and vulnerable communities through education.
Empowering Global Communication
Recognizing the need for enhanced English skills, the Verkhovna Rada aims to improve proficiency among its Members of Parliament, aides, and staff.
This aligns with Ukraine’s Law “On the Use of the English Language in Ukraine” No. 9432, which seeks to enhance international cooperation through better communication.
TEEI will offer a range of English courses from beginner to advanced levels using our cutting-edge Learning Management System (LMS) itslearning, ensuring an engaging and effective learning experience.
Lesia Vaolevska, Head of the Research Service at the Verkhovna Rada of Ukraine, emphasized the importance of this collaboration: “In the context of Ukraine’s integration into the European Union, proficiency in English is crucial for effective participation in international negotiations, the implementation of European integration initiatives, and ensuring compliance with European standards. Given Ukraine’s unwavering commitment to European and Euro-Atlantic integration, there is an urgent need to improve English language skills among Ukrainian public officials. We extend our sincere gratitude to the Educational Equality Institute and its Director Henrik Røine for supporting the Research Service of the Verkhovna Rada of Ukraine in organizing free online language courses as part of the ‘Together for Ukraine’ project. We look forward to a fruitful and enduring collaboration that will enhance their professional competence and advance Ukraine’s European integration goals.”
Key Features of the Partnership
Structured Language Courses: Tailored, teacher-led English courses for all levels (A1 to C1).
Language Connect for Ukraine: A platform for 1-to-1 video sessions with international volunteers to practice English.
Additional Language Programs: Free courses in French, German, and Business English.
Resource Collaboration: Support from Western partner universities and educational institutions.
Comprehensive LMS Access: Full access to itslearning for seamless progress tracking.
Grant Funding: Securing funding to enhance the program’s reach and impact.
This significant effort is largely possible thanks to our amazing partners – itslearning, Oxford University Press, Babbel, Kintell.com, and more
Language Connect for Ukraine
As part of this initiative, participants will have special access to TEEI’s Language Connect for Ukraine platform. This digital hub facilitates 1-to-1 video sessions with international volunteers, providing parliament members and staff with additional opportunities to practice and refine their language skills. This feature is designed to ensure that the participants receive personalized attention and the chance to engage in meaningful conversations with native speakers, thereby enhancing their language proficiency and confidence in real-world settings.
Collaborative Support from Key Partners
This partnership is strengthened by the collaboration of our esteemed partners.
Sara Pierson, Global Sales and Marketing Director for Oxford University Press’ English Language Teaching division, shared her thoughts:
“As an official provider for TEEI’s ‘Together for Ukraine’ initiative, Oxford University Press is dedicated to ensuring that learners have access to the highest quality materials to help them achieve their learning goals, regardless of their circumstances. Through the digital resources we are providing, learners will be able to access several of our leading English learning series, as well as the Oxford Placement Test to track their progress effectively. We extend our best wishes to all participants in the programme as they improve their English proficiency.”
Ingrid Jakobsen, Commercial Director at itslearning, highlighted the role of education technology:
“As a key partner in this initiative, itslearning is focused on providing the technology needed to support displaced Ukrainians, including MPs and their teams, in enhancing their English language skills. By facilitating access to quality education, we aim to help these individuals rebuild their lives and improve their ability to engage on the global stage. This collaboration underscores the important role that education technology can play in addressing real-world challenges.”
Arne Schepker, CEO of Babbel, echoed the importance of language in rebuilding communities:
“Since the war began, Babbel has been committed to supporting displaced Ukrainians with free language courses, aiding their communication and recovery. Through our own efforts and partnerships with NGOs, we’ve reached over 700,000 Ukrainians. Recognizing that language plays a crucial role in connecting and rebuilding communities, we’re pleased to support members of the Ukrainian parliament in improving their international communication skills through our collaboration with the Educational Equality Institute.”
Building a Brighter Future
This partnership is part of a larger effort. TEEI is working with Ukrainian ministries and veteran foundations to create specialized educational materials and learning programs. We are also helping Ukrainian universities digitalize their offerings to maintain high educational standards during these challenging times.
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