Kildare secondary school welcomes Ukrainian students for cultural exchange

Kildare County Council is proud to support a unique cultural exchange programme between Maynooth Post Primary School and its partner school, Lyceum No 80 in Kyiv, Ukraine.

As part of this initiative, a group of 14 Ukrainian students and two teachers are visiting County Kildare from December 1 to December 10 2025, hosted by the families of Maynooth Post Primary School students.

This exchange, which demonstrates Kildare County Council’s commitment to fostering international friendship and educational development, features a diverse programme of activities and excursions.

The highlight of the visit was the group’s participation in the Shackleton Experience in Athy.

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On Thursday, 4th December, the Ukrainian visitors joined 14 Maynooth Post Primary School students and their teachers for a visit to the Shackleton Experience, Athy — an immersive journey into the life and legacy of Kildare’s own polar explorer, Ernest Shackleton.

Kildare County Council’s support of the exchange programme emphasises the Local Authority’s dedication to supporting youth, education, and cultural diversity in the county. 

Speaking at the event, Councillor Brian O’Loughlin, Vice Chairperson of the Twinning Liaison Committee, said: “This cultural exchange is a wonderful example of the power of twinning and international friendship. We are delighted to welcome students and teachers from Lyceum No 80 in Kyiv to County Kildare, and to see our young people come together to learn from each other, share experiences, and build lasting connections. Initiatives like this strengthen our communities and foster understanding across borders”.

Johnny Nevin, Prinicipal, Maynooth Post Primary School said: “As Principal of Maynooth Post Primary School I’d like to take the opportunity to acknowledge the generous support from Kildare County Council in hosting students and teachers from Kyiv, Ukraine as part of this programme. 

“The past two years have been incredibly difficult for these students, teachers and their families, but they have maintained a sense of resolve and resilience to continue their education, and we hope this trip offers some respite from the daily challenges they face.

“I would like to acknowledge the enormous effort of our teachers, as the coordination team, and to the Maynooth community for hosting our visitors in their homes. I’m sure they will establish friendships which will endure into the future and that many of our students will get the opportunity to visit the beautiful city of Kyiv and wonderful country of Ukraine in the near future.”