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How the ENGin program supports the mental health of Ukrainians through online connection with the world

10/ 10/ 2024
  Ukrainians have faced unprecedented challenges, including war, internal and external migration, emotional turmoil, and daily losses. The need to support mental health and build resilience has never been more important than it is today. On World Mental Health Day, we reflect on how community initiatives like the ENGin program are playing a vital role in helping people cope with the hardships of war. ENGin, which pairs Ukrainian students with English-speaking volunteers, goes beyond English language practice; the program fosters connections that provide emotional support during the most difficult moments of Ukrainian life. Resilience, the ability to overcome difficulties, is built through a variety of factors, and one of the most important factors is the connection between people and the support system we provide to each other. Programs such as ENGin offer participants a safe space where they can form friendships, share experiences, and for some time feel like they are in a reality without war and anxiety.  Andrew Lee, an ENGin volunteer, shares: In one year, my relationship with my student has evolved from initial attempts at a lesson format to a connection where we feel like two close friends who seem to have known each other for 30 years. This sense of belonging helps people find strength in everyday life, even when they face extreme stress. For many students, weekly conversations with ENGin volunteers have become a source of stability and encouragement.  Slava, a student of the program, shared: When I don’t have the strength because of the news and the reality we are facing, my volunteer always gives me that strength and faith in myself! The weekly online conversations not only improve language skills, but also provide emotional comfort, helping participants regain confidence and hope. The war in Ukraine is causing enormous destruction and trauma, and many people are dealing with uncertainty and loss. ENGin has become a beacon of support for those who are overcoming such challenges. Antonia Cartwright, a volunteer, shared a touching moment: Early in the morning, twelve explosions occurred in my student’s city, not far from her home. We talked for an hour about this and the various consequences of the war in general. Antonia couldnt change the situation, but she listened to her student and gave her a sense of security, which made her feel less alone in a terrible moment. Student Andriy Leonenko said that such conversations often lift his spirits: Even if we discuss difficult topics, such as the ongoing war... we always find ways to switch to something positive and lighthearted, and the mood improves at the end of the conversation. One of the positive aspects of ENGin is the reciprocal nature of the relationships it fosters. While the students gain confidence in their English skills and emotional support, the volunteers often feel equally enriched. Carrie Ogden, a volunteer, described how her students inspire her with their resilience: They are incredible with their thoughts, their dreams... One of my students traveled to Kherson to help as a volunteer! It takes a lot of mental and physical effort, but I understand what it’s like to be resilient in a disaster because I’ve had a similar experience myself. Another ENGin volunteer, Kara Black, spoke about the profound impact her Ukrainian friend Andriy had on her life: Andriy has become more than a friend to me. He inspires me, and he also challenges me to become a better person. His struggle for a free and safe life in a country under the yoke of war focuses my attention on what is really important. So volunteers themselves grow and develop resilience through this experience. More than one study has shown that having purpose and meaningful connections improves mental health and increases resilience. For students and volunteers alike, ENGin offers a sense of purpose in helping each other through difficult times. Whether its a pep talk after a particularly difficult day or the simple act of listening, this interaction has real consequences. As ENGin volunteer Antonia wrote: The most valuable thing was what my student said at the end of the meeting. She was glad that she was able to talk to me today and that she felt much better after she talked about what she had been through. Student Olena also emphasized the mental health benefits of ENGin: I met an amazing woman who became more than just a conversation buddy. She supports me morally after every attack on Kyiv or Dnipro... We have a lot to learn. To learn how to help each other, support each other and rebuild our country. In addition, ENGin provides internal psychological support to its team, especially those who are based in Ukraine and continue to work, so that as many Ukrainians as possible can practice English, gaining much more than language practice from the experience. ENGin employees have the opportunity to talk to a qualified psychologist, take certified mental health courses, and take time off if their mental health requires it to reduce stress and anxiety. All team members support each other from different parts of the world, and they all work to rebuild Ukraine through language practice, not only physically but also mentally through valuable interpersonal communication. By participating in the program, volunteers and students alike form life-changing connections, improve their psychological well-being, and give a sense of hope. If you want to help Ukrainians improve their English and become a source of comfort and support, ENGin is the place to make a difference. This World Mental Health Day, consider joining ENGin and becoming part of a global community committed to building resilience and supporting each other in difficult times. Learn more about ENGin and how you can get involved today.

Ukrainians have faced unprecedented challenges, including war, internal and external migration, emotional turmoil, and daily losses. The need to support mental health and build resilience has never been more important than it is today. On World Mental Health Day, we reflect on how community initiatives like the ENGin program are playing a vital role in helping people cope with the hardships of war. ENGin, which pairs Ukrainian students with English-speaking volunteers, goes beyond English language practice; the program fosters connections that provide emotional support during the most difficult moments of Ukrainian life.

Resilience, the ability to overcome difficulties, is built through a variety of factors, and one of the most important factors is the connection between people and the support system we provide to each other. Programs such as ENGin offer participants a safe space where they can form friendships, share experiences, and for some time feel like they are in a reality without war and anxiety. 

Andrew Lee, an ENGin volunteer, shares:

In one year, my relationship with my student has evolved from initial attempts at a lesson format to a connection where we feel like two close friends who seem to have known each other for 30 years.

This sense of belonging helps people find strength in everyday life, even when they face extreme stress. For many students, weekly conversations with ENGin volunteers have become a source of stability and encouragement. 

Slava, a student of the program, shared:

When I don’t have the strength because of the news and the reality we are facing, my volunteer always gives me that strength and faith in myself!

The weekly online conversations not only improve language skills, but also provide emotional comfort, helping participants regain confidence and hope.

The war in Ukraine is causing enormous destruction and trauma, and many people are dealing with uncertainty and loss. ENGin has become a beacon of support for those who are overcoming such challenges. Antonia Cartwright, a volunteer, shared a touching moment:

Early in the morning, twelve explosions occurred in my student’s city, not far from her home. We talked for an hour about this and the various consequences of the war in general.

Antonia couldn’t change the situation, but she listened to her student and gave her a sense of security, which made her feel less alone in a terrible moment.

Student Andriy Leonenko said that such conversations often lift his spirits:

Even if we discuss difficult topics, such as the ongoing war... we always find ways to switch to something positive and lighthearted, and the mood improves at the end of the conversation.

One of the positive aspects of ENGin is the reciprocal nature of the relationships it fosters. While the students gain confidence in their English skills and emotional support, the volunteers often feel equally enriched. Carrie Ogden, a volunteer, described how her students inspire her with their resilience:

They are incredible with their thoughts, their dreams... One of my students traveled to Kherson to help as a volunteer! It takes a lot of mental and physical effort, but I understand what it’s like to be resilient in a disaster because I’ve had a similar experience myself.

Another ENGin volunteer, Kara Black, spoke about the profound impact her Ukrainian friend Andriy had on her life:

Andriy has become more than a friend to me. He inspires me, and he also challenges me to become a better person. His struggle for a free and safe life in a country under the yoke of war focuses my attention on what is really important.

So volunteers themselves grow and develop resilience through this experience.

More than one study has shown that having purpose and meaningful connections improves mental health and increases resilience. For students and volunteers alike, ENGin offers a sense of purpose in helping each other through difficult times. Whether it’s a pep talk after a particularly difficult day or the simple act of listening, this interaction has real consequences. As ENGin volunteer Antonia wrote:

The most valuable thing was what my student said at the end of the meeting. She was glad that she was able to talk to me today and that she felt much better after she talked about what she had been through.

Student Olena also emphasized the mental health benefits of ENGin:

I met an amazing woman who became more than just a conversation buddy. She supports me morally after every attack on Kyiv or Dnipro... We have a lot to learn. To learn how to help each other, support each other and rebuild our country.

In addition, ENGin provides internal psychological support to its team, especially those who are based in Ukraine and continue to work, so that as many Ukrainians as possible can practice English, gaining much more than language practice from the experience. ENGin employees have the opportunity to talk to a qualified psychologist, take certified mental health courses, and take time off if their mental health requires it to reduce stress and anxiety. All team members support each other from different parts of the world, and they all work to rebuild Ukraine through language practice, not only physically but also mentally through valuable interpersonal communication.

By participating in the program, volunteers and students alike form life-changing connections, improve their psychological well-being, and give a sense of hope. If you want to help Ukrainians improve their English and become a source of comfort and support, ENGin is the place to make a difference.

This World Mental Health Day, consider joining ENGin and becoming part of a global community committed to building resilience and supporting each other in difficult times. Learn more about ENGin and how you can get involved today.

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