Sophie’s shelter project to bring comfort to children in Ukraine

A Glasgow-based student will work remotely with a Ukrainian primary school to help transform its bomb shelter into a more welcoming, child-friendly space.

Sophie Mercedes De Feyter, a fourth-year Orthoptics student at Glasgow Caledonian University, has been awarded a Magnusson Award to bring to life a personal project supporting children in Kyiv − a project that reflects the University’s commitment to its Common Good mission.

Sophie, who was raised in France and whose mother is Russian-Ukrainian, was inspired by her own family’s experiences − especially that of her young cousin who attends a primary school in Kyiv − and developed the project to help ease the distress children face during air-raid warnings. Many schools in Ukraine must move children from their classrooms to bomb shelters whenever alarms sound. Sophie explained that these spaces are often intimidating and disruptive to learning. Her goal is to help make the environment feel more like a classroom – “bright, comforting and calming”.

Due to the current significant risks of travelling to Ukraine, Sophie will manage the project from the UK. Working closely with her family and local partners on the ground, she will coordinate the shelter’s refurbishment remotely. Communication with the school’s representatives remains central to the project’s direction, ensuring that the improvements reflect the children’s needs and priorities.

Sophie said: “Although I will not be physically present, I remain fully committed to supporting my family and the wider school community in Kyiv.

“This project reflects not only a strong sense of solidarity but also the University’s values of compassion, collaboration and the Common Good. The Magnusson Award will make it possible for me to give young children in Kyiv the comfort and learning environment they deserve − allowing them to still be children in a time of great uncertainty.”

Each year, Glasgow Caledonian University offers Magnusson Awards of up to £5,000 to help students realise their ambitions while making a positive impact in the world. Established in memory of former Chancellor Magnus Magnusson, the awards support a wide range of student-led initiatives − from volunteering and community projects to entrepreneurial ventures − designed to address real-world challenges and uplift communities both locally and globally. By removing financial barriers, the awards empower students to grow personally and professionally while putting Glasgow Caledonian’s values into action.

With this support, Sophie now has the means to turn her vision into action. Most of the funding will go toward purchasing materials, furnishings and decorations from local Ukrainian businesses, helping to support the economy during a difficult time. The remainder will cover essential costs linked to project coordination, such as local transport and supplies.

Sophie and her family are also exploring opportunities to work alongside local NGOs and charities to ensure the project complements existing efforts. However, she acknowledges the difficulties of doing so amid the realities of war.

“Given the constraints of Ukraine’s war economy, many organisations are understandably focused on direct humanitarian relief and the war effort,” Sophie said. “As a result, my family and I are navigating a complex landscape, doing our best to align the shelter project with community needs and best practices wherever possible.”

Throughout the refurbishment, Sophie plans to document progress through a blog and video updates, offering insights into the transformation and the project’s wider impact. A final report will summarise outcomes, share feedback from the school and highlight how the initiative has supported pupils during an incredibly challenging period. There are also plans for the children and teachers to create a thank-you display for Glasgow Caledonian University.