Oldham's Oasis Academies and children respond to the invasion of Ukraine with a ‘Global Virtual Vigil’

Message of hope from pupils at one of Oldham's Oasis Schools.

Hundreds of school children in Oldham, will take part in a virtual vigil for Ukraine this Friday, March 4, in an effort to stand for peace and hope, with people in the threatened country. 

Four Oasis schools in; Oldham, Limeside, Leesbrook and Clarksfield, will be part of the 52 schools taking part. 

32,000 children and 5,500 staff - will be involved in the ‘Oasis Global Virtual Vigil for Ukraine’ from 10:00am – 10:10am.

The vigil will create an opportunity for all our students to stand together with the people of Ukraine and it will be broadcast in all Oasis schools. 

The aim is to give all students and staff the chance to join together, either in individual classrooms or in bigger assembly groups.

Oasis students are also creating Peace and Hope Walls in our schools, with letters and messages of support and hope for the Ukrainian community both here and in Ukraine.

Revd Steve Chalke, Founder of Oasis Charitable Trust, said “This war is a tragedy for the people of Ukraine and for the entire world.

"It also directly impacts some of our staff, students, community members and residents who have family links and friendships with those living through this crisis.

"But even more than that, the badge that our children wear on their uniforms is the Oasis Circle of Inclusion. It’s our identity. It reminds us that we have a responsibly to act.”

"Together, with the rest of the Oasis family around the world, (Oasis works in a jumber of countries), students will have the opportunity to pause to reflect, as well as to think through the practical steps that we can take to support the people of Ukraine directly.

“We want to make a very practical response and so together are going to raise money to support those people who need this help urgently”, said Steve Chalke. 

“So, we’re asking parents and friends to sponsor every one of us – for just £2 – to support those who need our help.

"We will donate all the money raised to the Association of Ukrainians in Great Britain – who are working with a number of accredited Ukrainian refugee charities to get medicines, food, clothing, and other critical services to the most vulnerable in Ukraine, Poland, Moldova and surrounding countries.”

You can donate to the Ukraine Response via JustGiving: https://www.justgiving.com/campaign/OasisUkraine

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