About us ↗

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Education that changes lives

«Old School» is a Christian education project in the village of Reia, born from a dream: to provide young people with hands-on vocational education that helps them not only support themselves, but also serve others, transform communities, and bring the light of the Gospel into this world.

How did it all begin?

I think it all began more than 20 years ago, when Brother Kees van Aalst—an entrepreneur from the Netherlands—immigrated to Ukraine. His desire was not simply to do business, but to give people in our villages the opportunity to work, earn a living, and live with dignity. He dreamed of an educational institution—a school or a college—where young people could learn practical trades, become skilled specialists, and build their lives on a solid Christian foundation.

We shared that dream as well—the team serving at the church “House of Prayer for All” in the village of Reia. Working with young people, we saw a real need: many boys and girls have no access to quality vocational education. Technical schools are outdated, universities are not always affordable, and not everyone finds their place in an academic path. Young people need an alternative: modern, accessible, and effective training.

As an entrepreneur myself, I am convinced: in a village it is absolutely possible to earn an honest living—working for yourself or becoming a strong specialist. But for that, quality training is needed—both professional and spiritual.

Our vision

We want to create an educational space where young people can:

Learn useful professions

Gain practical skills and experience in in-demand fields

Learn to work for themselves

Or become in-demand employees in the job market

Develop leadership skills

Build an entrepreneurial mindset and leadership qualities

Grow in a Christian worldview

Develop character grounded in biblical values

We want to work side by side with local businesses and organizations that will help us shape the vision, develop the curriculum, provide practical opportunities, and potentially employ our graduates.

We believe this will not only help individuals, but also impact communities, improve the local economy, and open doors for the Gospel.

Who are we?

Today in Ukraine, we have gathered a volunteer team of like-minded people who believe in this vision. We have prayed, discussed, planned, worked on the concept, consulted with specialists, and we continue to develop the project.

Our team in Ukraine:

  • Andreas Kortleven
  • Volodymyr Kolomyltsiev
  • Andrii Stepanchuk
  • Valerii Kovalov
  • Valentyn Hrushetskyi
  • Serhii Overkovskyi
  • Ivan Sahan
  • Ruslan Kondratiuk

On the other hand, we have been supported by friends from the Netherlands. They are mostly Christians—professionals from various fields—who founded a separate organization in their country to support the “Old School.” I really like the name of this organization—NADIYA stichting. In this way, they want to bring hope in a difficult time for our people.

They see this as an opportunity to help Ukrainians both practically and spiritually. In the Netherlands, Christian vocational education is well developed, and we want to learn from their experience: teaching methods, a practical approach, and the integration of faith and profession.

We believe this is a great blessing from the Lord.

Where are we now?

God wonderfully opened the opportunity for us to purchase the old school building next to the House of Prayer. For many years it was divided among several owners, but shortly before the full-scale invasion we were able to buy it out completely.

Today this place is our launching pad. We want to give the “Old School” a new life—to restore it, equip it with modern facilities, and, if needed, expand the construction.

We are already registered as a non-profit public organization and are at the very beginning of the project’s implementation. But we believe: the One who gave the vision—God—is also able to give the strength to bring it to life.

We’re looking for like-minded partners

We are open to partnerships. We want to connect with other similar projects in Ukraine, learn from their experience, receive wise advice, and—most importantly—together create an environment that will transform a generation.

“Old School” is not just walls. It’s a place where young people learn to live, believe, work, and serve.

Become part of this story

We invite you to become part of this story—through support, prayer, involvement, partnership, or learning.