With the support of the Marienhöhe School Center in Darmstadt, Germany, and the Adventist humanitarian aid organization ADRA (Adventist Development and Relief Agency), students from low-income families at the Zhyve Slovo (Living Word) School in Lviv, Ukraine, are receiving critical support during an ongoing time of crisis.
The partnership provides tuition subsidies, as well as psychological counseling and career guidance for students. In addition, teachers, many of whom have been personally affected by ongoing conflict, are offered professional mental health support to process trauma and reduce stress.
ADRA Germany and the Marienhöhe School Center have shared information about the project on their official websites, inviting the public to learn more and get involved.
The Zhyve Slovo School is operated by the Seventh-day Adventist Church in Ukraine and has become a safe haven for families displaced by war, particularly those fleeing violence in the eastern regions of the country. Hundreds of refugee families temporarily housed near the school have already benefited from programs designed to support their physical, social, and mental well-being.
A portion of the donations raised during Marienhöhe School Center’s annual sponsored run helps fund this initiative.
Education and Stability Amid Conflict
Fourteen children from economically challenged families in both eastern and western Ukraine are currently receiving education subsidies through this project. ADRA is covering 65 percent of each student’s tuition fees, helping ensure their continued enrollment at Zhyve Slovo School.
Depending on the local security situation, classes are held either in person or online to maintain continuity of education despite the challenges of conflict.
Preparing for the Future
The project also includes career readiness initiatives. A radio studio is being established at the school, where students will be able to gain hands-on experience with media production and broadcasting. Open to all interested youth, the studio is designed to help spark interest in communication-related careers and develop real-world skills.
In addition, career workshops featuring professionals from various fields will help students explore their vocational interests and better plan for their future, according to ADRA Germany.
Supporting Teachers
Zhyve Slovo teachers are also under immense pressure. Many work in highly stressful conditions while coping with the personal impact of war. To address this, the initiative includes a wellness retreat where teachers can connect with mental health professionals, receive counseling, and learn new educational strategies.
These tools are intended to help them better meet the emotional and academic needs of their students during this time of ongoing uncertainty.
About the Partners
The Marienhöhe School Center was founded in 1924 as the "Marienhöhe Seminary." Today, it includes a state-recognized high school, secondary school, and elementary school, and also operates an on-campus boarding facility. Run by the Seventh-day Adventist Church in Germany, it is certified as both a "health-promoting school" and a "school for climate protection." This year, Marienhöhe is celebrating its 100th anniversary with a variety of events.
ADRA Germany, headquartered in Weiterstadt near Darmstadt, was founded in 1987 and is part of the global ADRA network, which operates in over 100 countries. ADRA provides humanitarian aid and development assistance without regard to political or religious affiliation. ADRA Germany is a founding member of several leading aid coalitions, including VENRO (Association of Development and Humanitarian NGOs), Aktion Deutschland Hilft, and Gemeinsam für Afrika.
ADRA Ukraine, officially registered in 1993, currently employs more than 270 people and is actively involved in humanitarian aid and development projects throughout Ukraine.
The original article was published on the Inter-European Division news site.
