Seven-year-old Nikita, one of 50 orphans brought to Scotland from Ukraine nearly a year ago, described his new school as 'paradise'. The children, evacuated by charity Dnipro Kids days after the Russian invasion, initially found refuge in Poland before moving to Edinburgh.
Nikita is among 16 Dnipro orphans attending Castleview Primary School. Interpreter Natalie said: 'He told me a few days ago that this school is absolutely awesome in comparison to Ukraine. It is just a paradise.' The children have bonded over football, playground games and Lego, with classmates helping them settle.
Head teacher Clare Langley acknowledged the challenge but said the children have 'really settled in well'. She noted that signing and visuals help overcome language barriers, and the school has employed Russian speakers where possible. 'They are part of the bricks with every other part of our school,' she added.
Charity chairman Steven Carr expressed relief at bringing the children to safety. 'Watching what was happening, it just wasn't safe... There was such relief when we landed at Heathrow,' he said. The charity, founded by Hibs FC supporters in 2005, had previously taken the children on excursions in Ukraine.
While the children enjoy their new life, Langley recognised they sometimes reflect on the war in Ukraine. She stressed the importance of acknowledging that Ukraine remains their home and they will one day return without fear.
