Big-hearted pupils in Nantwich have been helping to provide essential books for youngsters in war-torn Ukraine.
Children at Pear Tree Primary School in Stapeley stepped up as part of their Citizenship Award to help local mum Kateryna Polonska, who moved to Britain from Ukraine in 2022.
Kateryna started the charity BeBook with the aim of sending English-language books to public libraries and schools in Ukraine which have had stock destroyed or lost in the conflict with Russia.
And to help out, year 5 Pear Tree pupils organised an internal book donation drive which resulted in hundreds being collected and made ready for sending.
Leanie O’Connor, Year 5 teacher at Pear Tree, said: “BeBook is a charity that’s especially close to our hearts – not just because of its vital mission to restock libraries in war-torn Ukraine, but also because it was founded by the mum of one of our former pupils, so we are delighted to be the first school to support Kate’s work.
“Each year, our Year 5 pupils take part in a Citizenship Award, where they log volunteer hours for local causes and community initiatives like litter picking while learning how to be responsible citizens.
“When one of the boys suggested supporting BeBook as part of the award after hearing children needed books to support their learning in bomb shelters it felt like a perfect fit.
“The response from families and staff has been overwhelming – we’ve had so many generous donations of books suitable from birth to adulthood as BeBook is looking for books for all ages.
“Reading is one of the most enriching experiences a child can have and everyone deserves access to beautiful, inspiring books.
“We’re proud to support Kate and the incredible work of BeBook. We’ll continue to stand behind their mission and urge others to do the same.”
Kateryna runs BeBook, which is purely volunteer-led, with the help of a small group of Ukrainians in UK and Ukraine.
So far it has sent more than 3,000 books to 23 libraries across Ukraine, including to Bucha, Irpin, Kherson and other affected areas.
Most of the books are aimed at children and teenagers, though each shipment includes some adult titles.
Kateryna, whose son Oleh, 11, used to attend Pear Tree, said: “It supports Ukrainian children in their desire to learn English and provides much-needed books to Ukrainian libraries and schools.
“BeBook also fosters cultural exchange between the UK and Ukraine, helping displaced Ukrainians feel seen, supported, and remembered — both by their home country and their host communities in Britain.
“Books help us heal, grow, and stay connected wherever we are.”
BeBook also supports dozens of Ukrainian families who fled the war and are now settled in Cheshire East.
In partnership with Nantwich Library, it runs a dedicated Ukrainian-language book section which is updated every six months and accessible via the Cheshire East library system.
This summer, BeBook also launched a Ukrainian poetry competition for displaced children living in the UK.
The contest, called “The Voice Within / Голос серця”, invites young writers to share their emotions through poetry, with winners to be announced in August.
BeBook is seeking partnerships with schools, publishers, bookshops, and donors to continue its work, and welcomes financial support to help cover rising international shipping costs.
To support BeBook, visit facebook.com/BeBook
Or to donate to help BeBook cover transport costs, visit https://www.crowdfunder.co.uk/p/bebook—books-for-ukrainian-kids
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