Empowering Ukrainian students and educators with tools to thrive
What is Project Ollie?
Ollie, short for olivetz ("олівець"), translates from Ukrainian as a short pencil, a beloved and powerful tool.
Project Ollie believes in the potential of Ukraine’s students.
We are a nonprofit international alliance helping build a better future for learners and educators, especially in the regions of Shevchenkove and Kharkiv. Our support includes supplies, educational materials and future learning opportunities.
Where We Are Starting
Kharkiv, the first capital of Ukraine during the Soviet era and Ukraine's second largest city, is a key historic cultural and educational center with more than 40 universities and a thriving tech scene. Given the city’s close proximity to the Russian border, it has been under constant attack and sustained repeated bombings since early 2022. All schools closed in February 2022.
"It's not the damage to the school that I mourn," Yana Tsyhanenko, head of a Kharkiv kindergarten, told National Public Radio. "It's the destruction of childhood."
Shevchenkove
Before the war, the 6,000-person village of Shevchenkove had two schools, one train station and just one stop sign. But its location on the main road between Kharkiv and the Russian border made it a strategic military target. Russian troops occupied the town for more than six months, until Ukrainian troops liberated the village in September 2022. Schools have been closed since the war started.
How We Are Helping
Delivering Necessities
Providing food, shelter, and safety is our first priority. Rebuilding school walls and roofs, along with ensuring no mouth goes unfed, is a must.
Rekindling Learning
Students and teachers need the tools to support learning. Textbooks and tablets top the list.
Unlocking the Future
Project Ollie aims to open up pathways to scholarships and internships for Ukrainian students.
Projects Delivered
You Can Make a Difference!
Please join us in helping build a brighter future for Ukrainian students and educators.
We welcome your support in many ways:
* Pick up your pencils and spread the news about Project Ollie!
* Run a local fundraiser
* Partner with your local schools to donate books, exchange "pen pal" letters with students, or brainstorm more ideas
* Donate directly to Project Ollie
Project Ollie is a registered 501c3 nonprofit. We are run entirely by volunteers. All donations benefit the students and educators of Ukraine.
