The Ukrainian Saturday School Mriya, led by LUkraine asbl, was created in response to an emergency situation. With the outbreak of the war in Ukraine, many families sought refuge in Luxembourg, often under urgent circumstances. Among them were children who, from one day to the next, had to leave their school, their reference points and their linguistic and cultural environment behind.

Very quickly, a fundamental need became clear: to offer these children a stable, safe and familiar setting where they could continue learning while maintaining a connection to their language and cultural background.

The Mriya school was then established and welcomes children aged from one and a half to thirteen every Saturday. Activities are conducted in Ukrainian and combine learning, games and moments of exchange. The objective is twofold: to preserve the children’s language and cultural identity while supporting their integration in Luxembourg, allowing them to discover their host country in their mother tongue.

At the heart of the project is a team of teachers who share a common experience: they too left Ukraine because of the war. Their commitment goes beyond teaching. The aim is to recreate a caring environment where children can regain a sense of continuity and normality.

Like any initiative operating in an unstable context, the Mriya school faces challenges. In 2025, the loss of the premises provided by the Lycée Robert Schuman created a moment of great uncertainty. The future of the school seemed at risk. Thanks to rapid mobilization and the support of the Ministry of Education, Children and Youth, a solution was found within two weeks, allowing activities to continue without significant interruption.

The impact of the project can be seen in everyday gestures and words. Children gain confidence, gradually open up and learn to navigate between two cultures. Many express the wish to attend the school more often than just on Saturdays, reflecting the importance this place has taken in their lives.

One moment remains particularly significant. In his Luxembourgish school, a pupil is asked to present what makes him happy. He chooses to speak about the Ukrainian language. In front of his classmates, he explains the alphabet, shares books and proudly presents his cultural world, affirming an identity he has been able to preserve and value thanks to the Mriya school.

Today, the project continues to grow, driven by the commitment of families and the energy of the children. In the longer term, the team envisions the creation of a dedicated place, a true home for the project, where the school could develop within a broader framework combining learning, culture and encounters.

With Mriya, the aim is not only to teach, but to rebuild a sense of belonging. A space where children can grow between two worlds, learn from others without giving up what defines them, echoing the words of the Ukrainian poet Taras Shevchenko: “Learn from others, but do not abandon what is your own.”