Catch up on our latest news, stories from the field, and social media highlights.
Rebuilding Ukraine Begins With People: A Teacher’s Story from Ternopil
As global funders focus on rebuilding Ukraine’s infrastructure, MapWorks Learning is leading a different kind of recovery—one that begins with people. Through the Ukraine Youth Action Network (UYAN), teachers like Halyna Sikora in Ternopil are helping students heal from the trauma of war, build emotional resilience, and become empowered changemakers. This is human-centered reconstruction—starting with education, empathy, and civic engagement.
When the Classroom Becomes a Bridge: Oksana Potelchak on UYAN’s Impact
Oksana Potelchak, a teacher at the German-Scandinavian School in Berlin, reflects on how the Ukraine Youth Action Network helped her students find connection, purpose, and resilience during a time of global crisis.Oksana Potelchak
When Voices from Omaha Met Strings in Lviv: A Musical Bridge Across Continents
Students from Northwest High School in Omaha, Nebraska, and Школа повного дня MriyDiy School in Lviv, Ukraine, came together for a powerful cross-cultural concert after months of virtual collaboration through MapWorks Learning’s Ukraine Youth Action Network. The students co-created and performed a traditional Ukrainian folk song—demonstrating how music, virtual exchange, and collaborative learning can bridge cultures and inspire global understanding.
Reclaiming the Future: Youth Global Climate Observatory Launches at MIT’s Day of Climate
MapWorks Learning launched the Youth Global Climate Observatory (YGCO) at MIT’s Day of Climate—YGCO is a global virtual exchange program where students use science, data, and storytelling to map climate impacts and drive local action. With support from the Pulitzer Center, educators and institutions, YGCO empowers youth worldwide to reclaim the future—together.
Honoring Educator Denise Mazurik: Civic Learning, Global Connection, and Lasting Impact
Hawai‘i teacher Denise Mazurik, a champion of civic education and UYAN facilitator, was recently honored by the Hawai‘i State House of Representatives for her leadership in global learning. Her students continue to stay connected to peers in Ukraine, proving the lasting power of empathy, inquiry, and cross-cultural exchange.
Meet Olena: Inspiring Empathy, Language, and Leadership in Ukraine
Meet Olena, an amazing teacher from Lviv, Ukraine who is passionate about language learning and floral arrangements. Olena’s class is part of the Ukraine Youth Action Network (UYAN) which just...