When the Russian forces invaded Ukraine at the end of February, upper school students Anabelle Creveling ’22 and Meredith Joo ’23 sprung into action. They started to network, searching for ways to connect with those directly affected by the attacks.
Together they learned that history teacher Lindsey Rossler had a friend and colleague at the American School of Warsaw. Poland, which is adjacent to Ukraine, has welcomed the largest number of Ukrainian refugees since the onset of the conflict.
Leadership from each of the schools organized a virtual meeting so that King students could learn more about the events playing out in Warsaw and discuss ways to help. Annabelle and Meredith opened the meeting with an overview of the crisis.
“According to Reuters, there have been at least 24,000 fatalities, including approximately 1,500 Ukrainian civilians,” said Anabelle as she opened the conversation. “But also, over 10 million people have been displaced and have fled to neighboring countries. All of these refugees are in need of shelter, food, water, blankets, and other essential items like medical supplies.”
Meredith followed by commending the Polish school for its support of displaced Ukrainians.
“In response to the ongoing refugee crisis, members of the American School of Warsaw have taken in refugees, but the school has also collected important resources, including meals,” said Meredith. “When we’re an ocean away, it can be difficult to comprehend how real this war is. But for the ASW community, the war is right in their backyard, and they see its catastrophic events firsthand.”
Leaders from the American School of Warsaw also shared how they are taking action to support Ukrainian refugees.
“These students are demonstrating what it really means to be global citizens,” said Director of King Cares Karen Raidt. “They are being proactive and showing a genuine commitment to doing their part to assist in the ways they can during this difficult time.”
As a result of the meeting, Raidt is actively collaborating with students and faculty in organizing ongoing efforts throughout the year in partnership with the American School of Warsaw.
