When Oksana Matiyash joined Teach For Ukraine NGO, it marked a new beginning for us. During our time working together, the organization was relaunched amidst the pandemic, we faced the full-scale invasion, scaled our impact, and built a strong community of leaders in the education sector. Today, Oksana passes the leadership baton forward. This is not a farewell but a new chapter. Ahead lie new opportunities, and Teach For Ukraine NGO continues to transform Ukrainian education.
Oksana Matiyash on Upcoming ChangesFour and a half years ago, I joined Teach For Ukraine NGO not just to revive an organization very important for Ukraine, but to improve the country’s education system. It was a challenge that reshaped my understanding of leadership, responsibility, and team strength. In 2020, when the world shut down due to the pandemic, we relaunched Teach For Ukraine. It seemed almost impossible then: securing resources, forming a new team, rebuilding partner trust. But I knew this work had meaning. Then came 2022, the full-scale invasion. Many organizations paused their operations, but we decided that education was needed more than ever. And at that moment, Teach For Ukraine NGO not only survived — it grew into a powerful force for educational change.
Over these years, we have:
- Expanded our Fellowship program in small communities, engaging even more young leaders in the field of education.
- Launched emergency education support programs that reached over 30,000 children and 90,000 teachers across Ukraine.
- Rolled out “Educational SUPport” – the largest nationwide learning recovery initiative.
- Successfully conducted the first randomized controlled trial (RCT) in education in Ukraine during wartime.
- Secured nearly $5 million in international funding to implement and scale our programs.
- Built a strong network of partners across international donors, educational institutions, and the civil society sector to scale impact and strengthen Ukrainian education together.
Leadership is not about status – it’s about guiding others through uncertainty, making hard decisions, staying true to a mission even when the world feels unstable.
For me, this role was never just about organizational achievements. It was one of the most profound transformations of my life. I learned that true leadership isn’t about holding a title — it’s about leading with purpose, showing up in moments of crisis, making difficult choices, and remaining committed to the mission no matter how uncertain the circumstances.
And I’ve also learned one more thing:
A good leader knows when it’s time to step away.
Today, I am handing over the leadership of Teach For Ukraine NGO. Over the past few months, we’ve been searching for someone who could take on this role — and I am thrilled to say, we’ve found her. In the coming three months, I will continue supporting this transition as Chair of the Board to ensure a smooth handover and organizational continuity.
What’s next?
Next comes personal renewal. I’m taking time to reflect on my next steps and to search for the next opportunity to drive meaningful change. What I know for sure is: it will be something that matters deeply.
Thank you to everyone who was part of this journey — especially those who believed in me when it felt like everything might fall apart. A heartfelt thanks to the Teach For Ukraine NGO team: you are the force behind everything we’ve achieved.
Teach For Ukraine NGO is in good hands.
— Oksana Matiash
Chair of the Supervisory Board
Former CEO, Teach For Ukraine NGO
