Teen from bombed Ukrainian uni awarded York St John scholarship

Dr Brendan Paddison, interim dean of York Business School at York St John University, was one of the HAY Award judges and it was he who told Ms Kachun she was being gifted a scholarship.

He explained that Ms Kachun’s manager at Middlethorpe Hall had sent a submission, asking for her to be considered for an award and he was so impressed with what he read that he asked the university to give her a scholarship.

Dr Paddison said: “As a judging panel, we were really moved by her story and the sacrifices she has made because of the war in Ukraine.”

Everyone at the university was “delighted” Ms Kachun could continue her studies in York, Dr Paddison said.

Ms Kachun’s story was “reflective of the university’s ethos of being a place committed to supporting refugees and asylum seekers, personal safety and where anyone can have the right to pursue education”, he added.

Ms Kachun said the scholarship, which she planned to start next September, was “perfect timing”.

She said she had very much wanted to take up her studies again, but had struggled to find the time due to work commitments.

“I feel like it is a good time for me to continue my studying”, she said.

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