Last year, Vlad M and Vlad P fled the war in Ukraine, eventually finding a place in England as one of 23 boys and girls given free places at Brighton College.
Today, Vlad M at Manchester University to study Mechanical Engineering, and Vlad P won a place at Bath University to study Business.
The two reflected on their time in England:
Vlad M: “Leaving Ukraine and seeing all the destruction brought to my homeland impacted me significantly. I want to develop skills that will enable me to help with the reconstruction of my country, with research and innovative design as I study Mechanical Engineering at Manchester. I am grateful to Brighton College for helping me to succeed.”
Vlad P: “I have been given so many opportunities at Brighton College, that even though a lot has been taken away from me, I choose to embrace that which I have been given. We are safe here, but I want continually to be a reminder that elsewhere in the world people are suffering, and it is our responsibility to do as much as we can to keep that awareness alive, support where we can and be grateful for every day.”
Head Master Richard Cairns commented: "So many Ukrainian youngsters have had their whole lives entirely upended by this terrible war, and the two Vlads offer a glimmer of hope for the future. I have no doubt that both boys will return home one day to rebuild their country, and I am just glad that we were able to help them a little along the way."
