"Old School" is a Christian educational project in the village of Reia, born from a dream: to give young people practical vocational education that helps them not only to support themselves, but also to serve others, transform communities, and carry the light of the Gospel into the world.
I believe it all began over 20 years ago when Brother Case van Aalst—a businessman from the Netherlands—immigrated to Ukraine. His desire was not merely to do business, but to give people in our villages the opportunity to work, earn, and live with dignity. He dreamed of an educational institution—whether a school or a college—where young people could learn practical trades, become specialists, and build their lives on a sound Christian foundation.
This dream was shared by us too—the team serving at the “House of Prayer for All” church in the village of Reia. Working with youth, we saw a real need: many boys and girls lack access to quality vocational education. Technical schools are outdated, and universities are not always affordable or suited to everyone. Young people need an alternative: modern, accessible, and effective training.
Our vision is to create an educational space where young people can:
We want to work side by side with local businesses and organizations to help us form our vision, develop curricula, offer practical training opportunities, and potentially employ our graduates.
We believe that this will not only help individuals, but also impact communities, transform the village economy, and open doors to the Gospel.
By God’s wondrous provision, we gained the opportunity to purchase the old school building next to the House of Prayer. For many years it had been divided among several owners, but shortly before the full‑scale invasion we were able to buy it in full. Today it is our starting base. We aim to give “Old School” new life—restore it, equip it with modern facilities, and if needed, expand the building.
We are already registered as a non‑profit public organization and are at the early stage of project implementation. But we believe that He who gave the vision—God—can also provide the strength to realize it.
We invite you to become part of this story—through support, prayer, participation, partnership, or learning.
"Old School". Education that changes lives.
This idea was born over 20 years ago in the heart of Brother Cornelis van Aalst—a Dutch businessman who immigrated to Ukraine in the early 2000s. Case came here with one deep desire: to help people live with dignity, work, and earn. He saw that we have good land, intelligent and hardworking people, but many lack skills, education, and vision for how to provide for themselves and their families. His dream was always an institution—a school or college—where youth would learn practical professions, become specialists, entrepreneurs, and responsible members of society.
Case shared this dream with me. I came to the village of Reia as a pastor of the church. We actively engaged with youth and saw the same need: many adolescents grow up in under-resourced families without role models for earning a living or living Christianly through manual labor. Technical education in Ukraine is outdated. Not everyone can or wants to study at universities.
As an entrepreneur myself, I am convinced that one can earn honestly in the village—working for oneself or becoming a good specialist. But to do that, quality education is needed—both vocational and spiritual.
Our vision is a new generation educational institution. A place where:
To date, in Ukraine we have gathered a voluntary team of like‑minded people who believe in this vision. We have prayed, discussed, planned, developed the project concept, consulted experts, and continue to grow the project.
On the other hand, we have been supported by friends from the Netherlands. Primarily Christian professionals from various fields who have created a separate organization in their country to support “Old School”. I really like the name of this organization—NADIYA stichting. In doing so they want to give hope during this difficult time for our people. They see this as an opportunity to help Ukrainians practically and spiritually. In the Netherlands, Christian vocational education is well‑developed, and we want to learn from their experience: teaching methodology, approach to practice, blending faith and profession.
We believe this is a great blessing from the Lord.
Right next to the House of Prayer in the village of Reia stood the abandoned building of the old school. For many years it had been divided among different owners. But just before the full‑scale invasion, God opened the doors, and we were able to fully purchase the building.
Today we want to give it new life—restore it, equip it, and if needed, expand it—to make it a modern educational center for youth.
We are already registered as a non‑profit public organization. We are at the initial stage of realizing this dream. But we are confident that God, who gave the vision, will also provide.
We are open to partnership. We want to:
"Old School"—not just walls. This is a place where youth learn to live, believe, work, and serve.
With respect,
Valentyn Hrushetskyi
pastor of the “House of Prayer for All” church, Reia
initiator of the “Old School” project