Around 45 million people speak Ukrainian across Europe but the number who want to learn English is increasing. A few workshops later we break the ice wall that is trust and the class is blissfully alive with creative activities ranging from design thinking to beatboxing, most attendees want to improve their English in a fun environment free from any judgment.

It turns out these teenagers are mainly into selfies and Drake. I pretend to fit in.



One teacher I never seem to manage to say hello to intrigues me. That changes midweek when she sits me down to tell me one of her family members is paralysed from the waist down as a result of the conflict. I tense up and barely digest what she's sharing with me.

I try to express my grief and relay some empathy. Then she asks me about the news/coverage I read in England about Ukraine - it’s not easy to admit you hadn’t checked it yourself for propaganda.



My replies are lost in the human version of Google translation. I'm witnessing a real-time war in relative safety mainly insulated by brave women and men longing for dignity, and social change.