City Students Transform Homes for Ukrainian Refugees

City of Glasgow College's Painting and Decorating department partnered with the Association of Ukrainians in Great Britain to undertake a redecoration project, breathing new life into social housing for Ukrainian refugee families in Scotland.

The initiative, spearheaded by Oleksandra Wierzbicka, a former student at the college, and secretary/community coordinator for the Association of Ukrainians in Great Britain, Glasgow Branch, approached the Built Environment team for for assistance.

Oleksandra's passion for supporting displaced Ukrainians led to the project's conception, aiming to make temporary accommodations more comfortable and homely for those affected by the two-year conflict in Ukraine.

Under the guidance of lecturers Michael McEwan and Alan Henderson, the NPA Painting and Decorating class, along with apprentices, took on the task of transforming social housing flats around Glasgow. The focus extended beyond aesthetics, to create warm and comfortable environments that truly felt like home.

Associate Dean Andy Pollock for City of Glasgow College stated:

“The Built Environment team at City of Glasgow have a long history of social values and community engagement projects but when the request to support the settling of those displaced by the Ukrainian conflict came up, we had no hesitation. All staff, students and even our suppliers were keen to get on board. The students themselves expressed a great deal of pride in being able to give a small amount of pleasure to those so drastically affected by simply decorating their new homes.”

Local paint companies, The Paint Shed in Parkhead, and Dulux Decorating Centre Maryhill, generously donated materials for the project.  Their generosity, community spirit and collaboration made such a positive difference.

The students, armed with the skills learned during their time at the City of Glasgow College, turned outdated interiors into aesthetically pleasing spaces. The initiative not only displayed their craftsmanship but also underscored the transformative power of their work on the lives of the individuals and families.

Oleksandra stated:

“I want to sincerely thank the City of Glasgow College from the bottom of my heart for not only providing excellent education but also for showing humanity by supporting those facing challenges. Your ongoing support means a lot to us, and we look forward to making a positive difference in the lives of more people. Thank you for your continued support.”

The success of this collaborative project serves as a powerful reminder of what can be achieved working together to create environments where individuals can thrive and enjoy living.