Chernihiv Governor reflects on letters and cards sent by Higham Primary School

When children from different parts of the world connect, it creates a powerful bond that transcends borders and cultures. Recently, students at Higham Primary School experienced this firsthand by reaching out to their peers in their twin school of Starobilou Lyceum in the village of Novyi Bilous, near Chernihiv, Ukraine.

The staff and students Higham Primary School decided to send cards and letters to children in Novyi Bilous. These messages were filled with drawings, kind words, and stories about their lives in England. The goal was to introduce themselves and build a bridge of friendship with students who live far away, in a region affected by ongoing challenges.

Higham Councillor Jordan Meade personally delivered the cards and letters to Chernihiv in Ukraine. Commenting on the letter and card exchange he said:

'Earlier this month I had the honour to personally deliver these letters, drawings and cards from the children of Higham to the children in Chernihiv region, Ukraine. Reading their words and then seeing how deeply they were received in Chernihiv will forever stay with me. There is something incredibly powerful about children writing to children. Their words are unfiltered, brutally honest, and full of empathy in a way that adults often struggle to express. The innocence of those letters, asking simple but heartbreaking questions about life and the war, is a stark reminder of how much has been stolen from Ukraine’s children and why we must do all we can to support them.

No child should ever have to know what it feels like when a school is bombed, or what it means to grow up with air raid sirens, no utilities, and the constant nightmare of attacks from the sky as part of daily life. And yet, the children of the Chernihiv region do. I've seen how children as young as six can identify the types of drones in the sky above just based on the sounds they make. It is sickening.

But I want the people in the Chernihiv region to know this clearly: we will never look away, and we will not walk away. The people of Higham, and our wider Kent community will continue to stand with the Chernihiv region, for as long as this takes, however hard it becomes. These letters may be a small gesture, but the message they carry is enormous: a reminder that the people of Chernihiv are not and will never be forgotten.'

The Response from Chernihiv

The Governor of Chernihiv responded warmly and emotionally to the efforts of Higham Primary School. In a post on Facebook, Mr Chaus Viacheslav, Governor of Chernihiv Oblast said:

'Children from the parish of Higham of Kent County handed Christmas letters to the students of the Starobilou Lyceum, their peers in Ukraine.

 "How does it feel when your school is bombed? I hope I never have an experience like yours. And I hope you will never experience it again". This is an excerpt from a letter from Oscar, a boy in Higham.

 "My name is Leon. And if you write the opposite, then comes out Noel (a French word meaning "Christmas"). Where do you live at? What's it like living in a war?"

It is a pity that our children know the answer to the question "how to live in war". They can tell what they feel during air riots and shellings.

In one of the letters, the girl Amira wrote: "you will survive". It's difficult to accept the fact that little Ukrainians just want to survive.

I'm sorry that next to children's games is ruin and pain. Our babies grew up way too soon. And that's the truth.

Several dozens of letters from the UK will not be left unanswered. We appreciate such support from friends in Kent County - this gesture is particularly sincere.

This response not only acknowledged the kindness of the Higham students but also encouraged continued communication and friendship between the two communities.

The Governor’s message highlighted the value of empathy and solidarity, especially for the children of Chernihiv who have endured and continue to endure the unthinkable. The students of Higham have reminded everyone that even small acts, like sending a card or letter, can bring comfort, hope and smiles to others. For the children in Novyi Bilous, receiving these messages was a bright moment amid their daily lives.

Not just words...

In addition to providing the exchange of letters. Higham Primary School collected books, toys, warm winter items including coats and hats for their new friends in Chernihiv. Kent With Ukraine would like to offer our sincerest thanks to the staff, parents and students of Higham who initiated this incredible collection - demonstrating the real spirit and generosity of the people of Kent.

For the children at Higham Primary School, we hope that this new special friendship between the two schools will provide a real-world lesson about global citizenship and the importance of reaching out beyond their immediate surroundings. For the students in Novyi Bilous, the cards and letters and donations offered a sense of connection and support from afar. Knowing that children in another country were thinking of them is so important in reminding them that they (and Ukraine) are not alone.

Building Bridges for the Future

The connection between Higham Primary School and the students in Chernihiv is more than just a one-time exchange. It lays the foundation for ongoing friendship and understanding. Both schools have expressed interest in continuing to share stories, drawings, and letters, fostering a lasting relationship that Kent With Ukraine is proud to support.