The Ukrainian revolution of 2014 — also called the ‘Euromaidan protest’ — culminated in the ousting of Ukrainian President Victor Yanukovych. During the peak of the revolution, there were around a million people protesting against their government. One of the early protestors who mobilised people against the government was the son of Afghani immigrants, Mustafa Nayyem. Mustafa worked as a journalist in Kiev, the capital of Ukraine.
After President Yanukovych refused to accede to the EU integration plan, Mustafa took to social media and mobilised support to protest against the ruling President’s decision. Soon after, the regime fell and Mustafa became a member of parliament, along with a host of other newly-elected young leaders.
Besides representing the people, he had another ambitious plan in mind — integrating Ukraine within the EU. He did so by taking a small step towards the linguistic integration of Ukraine. Mustafa founded the ‘Global Office’, an organisation which brings volunteers from around the world to teach English and other European languages to children in Ukraine. The global office does so by conducting camps called ‘GoCamps’ in schools. He believes this is an important step towards future of Ukraine’s assimilation into the European society. For this initiative, his organisation has amassed large support from the Foreign Ministry of Ukraine, Indian and American Embassies in Kiev, and the United Nations Volunteers (UNV).
International experience
As a recent graduate working towards building an international career, GoCamps was a rare and outstanding opportunity. Teaching English as a global language to school children is a valuable contribution that anyone could make to a nation.
English as a language widens the window of opportunities for these children. Moreover, the exposure that one receives in foreign countries not only stands out on the resume but builds self-confidence as well.
GoCamps has nationwide recognition in Ukraine — the media coverage is extensive and the governors and MPs are regular visitors to the camps where the volunteers undergo training.
The Indian Embassy too has partnered with this initiative. The Indian ambassador to Ukraine, Manoj Bharti is a volunteer who teaches English to children. Mr. Bharti looks forward to more Indian volunteers to work in the camps.
Apart from the camp and volunteer experience, there is the valuable experience of travelling around Ukraine, a former Soviet republic with which India shares deep historic ties.
Ukraine is a large country, with awe-inspiring landscapes and architecture. It is an affordable place for students to live, especially because GoCamps provides volunteers with accommodation, food, and intercity travel to their volunteering destination.
The author is coordinator, UPEACE India Initiative. UPEACE is the UN-mandated University for Peace, Costa Rica.