NASUWT deputy general secretary Dr Patrick Roach is joining the trip, which has been organised by Education International – a global federation of education unions with 30 million members from more than 170 countries around the world.
The delegation includes teacher union leaders from the USA, Poland, Denmark and Bulgaria, along with the UK. During the visit, Education International will have meetings with teachers’ organisations, along with government representatives and EU and US officials based in Kiev.
A statement from the NASUWT said: “The delegation is being hosted by the Trade Union of Education and Science Workers of Ukraine (STESU), which represents over two million educators and students in the country. STESU’s office in the famous Maidan Square in Kiev acted as a refuge for protesters during the recent uprising, and was destroyed by the police. STESU has reached out to EI with a request for help in rebuilding the office and re-establishing communication with members across the country.”
Dr Roach added: “The situation facing teachers and their unions in Ukraine is extremely difficult following the brutal violence witnessed in the country in recent months. We will be talking to trade union colleagues to assess the situation, and work closely with international partners to co-ordinate appropriate support.”
Fred Van Leeuwen, general secretary of EI, added: “We must help them get back on their feet as the teachers’ organisations of the Ukraine play a vital role in uniting the country and strengthening the democratic movement.”