From Ukraine to RGS Worcester and Beyond

RGS Worcester student Yurii Khliebnikov who finished his A Levels at RGS last summer and his guardian Mrs Sue Johns visited us and shared news of a new book which they have compiled and which has now been published. The book, ‘Leaving Ukraine’ explains Yurii’s remarkable journey from fleeing his home in Kyiv during the Russian invasion in 2022 to studying at RGS Worcester and now pursuing a degree in Computer Science at the University of Sussex.

The book chronicles Yurii’s six-week journey across Europe, during which he relied on the generosity of strangers for shelter before arriving in Ombersley to live with Mrs Johns and her family. With a place at RGS Worcester to study A Levels, Yurii embraced the challenges of adapting to a new culture and language while becoming part of the supportive School and Ombersley’s village community.

Sue Johns, who co-founded Kingsway English Centre in Worcester, shares Yurii’s story and her personal efforts to help him obtain a visa and assist other Ukrainian refugees. Her book highlights the extraordinary ways individuals and communities came together to support those displaced by the conflict.

‘Leaving Ukraine’ is Sue Johns’ debut book. It is a heartfelt account of resilience, kindness, and the power of education to transform lives. We are incredibly proud to have contributed to Yurii’s journey and are inspired by the stories of compassion and determination.

Mrs Johns and Yurii kindly gave a signed copy of the book to the Headmaster which will be kept in the Archives as a lasting record of Yurii’s incredible journey along with other items demonstrating the support of the RGS community for pupils from Ukraine. Copies will also be available to pupils in the School Library.

For more details about the book, please visit www.leavingukraine.org.uk.