Thanks to a $1,400 grant, RPCV Ashley Wichman and Nina Chernyavska of Sumy Public Circle launched a hands-on learning program using educational board games and social-skills workshops to fight learning loss—helping children reconnect, build confidence, and rediscover the joy of learning.
RPCV: Ashley Wichman, Community Development, 2013-2014
Ukrainian Partner: Nina Vasylivna Chernyavska, Director of Sumy Public Circle
Region: Bilopolska and Sadivska, Sumy Oblast
Due to both the Russian invasion and COVID-19 pandemic, many Ukrainian children started remote learning. In 2024, nearly 18% of all Ukrainian children continued to attend school online instead of in person because of the constant need for civilians to shelter in place.
Even when schools reopened, conditions were far from normal. Many were required to run “second shift” schedules, where students attended shorter school days due to limited shelter capacity. Air-raid alerts regularly interrupted or entirely cancelled lessons. Between shortened days, class cancellations, and limited in-person socialization, learning loss and socio-emotional strain have become major concerns for Ukrainian youth.
How This Project Fights Learning Loss
This project supported the long-term sustainability efforts (psychosocial support and educational programs) to children who have been forced to go to school online for several years. The Peremoha Mini-Grant funds created the ability to:
- Conduct 2 educational master classes for different age groups of children (6-11 years and 12-17 years). These classes used educational board games in each selected community. The games will focus on logic, critical thinking and creativity.
- Conduct social skills training (for children aged 12-17 years) on communication, cooperation, conflict resolution, and adaptation. These skills are important for positive social interaction and personality development
Why Board Games?
Educational board games transform learning from something passive into something interactive, fun, and student-centered. They encourage children to think critically, make decisions, collaborate, and actively engage with peers—skills often lost during prolonged periods of remote learning.
This creative approach also supports children facing psychosocial challenges, providing an outlet for connection and healthy interaction.
Continuing the Work
To ensure ongoing support, the team will invite interested students to participate in a monthly online educational game focused on developing legal and economic competencies. This blended model keeps children engaged long after the formal project ends.
Long-Term Impact
Nina’s long-term goal is the formation of an active and conscious civil society through the education of a responsible younger generation. She sees the development of social skills as critical for the future: communication, tolerance and the ability to cooperate in a team. Through creating classes promoting psychosocial support, Nina encourages the next generation to continue to learn and grow.
The Peremoha Mini-Grants program, launched in 2022, empowers grant recipients and their Ukrainian partners to lead impactful projects supporting humanitarian aid, community development, education, and youth initiatives. These grants are made possible through charitable contributions and proceeds from the Babusya’s Kitchen cookbook.
You can help make a difference! Donate to the Peremoha fund, purchase a cookbook, or apply for your own grant to support Ukraine.