Sharing a commitment to improve the lives of children and families

Ukraine’s First Lady visits Alberta Children’s Hospital to exchange ideas

Story & photos by Melanie Veriotes

CALGARY — While the hallways of the Alberta Children's Hospital are most often filled with children, families and healthcare professionals, one recent visit brought an international delegation through its doors.

Representatives from Dr. Gordon Townsend School, Alberta Children's Hospital and the Alberta Children's Hospital Foundation welcomed Olena Zelenska, First Lady of Ukraine, and members of her delegation for a visit to learn more about the school's innovative hospital-based education program.

During her visit, the First Lady toured Dr. Gordon Townsend School, located within the hospital, and learned how patients become students, accessing the programs and supports that help them continue their education while receiving care. She also visited the school's gym, where she observed a recreational therapy program in action and spent time chatting with students.

“We were deeply honoured to welcome First Lady Zelenska to Alberta Children's Hospital and Dr. Gordon Townsend School,” says Jo Ann Beckie, senior operating officer, Alberta Children's Hospital.

“The First Lady’s commitment to improving the lives of children and families is inspiring. It was a privilege to share how our teams work together to support children during some of the most challenging times in their lives, and to learn from the important work being done through the First Lady’s foundation in Ukraine.”

As founder of the Olena Zelenska Foundation, which supports children and families affected by war in Ukraine, the First Lady has championed initiatives focused on education, children's well-being and recovery. Through its School of Superheroes initiative, the foundation supports education for children receiving treatment in Ukrainian hospitals.

The First Lady brought a list of questions from educators at the School of Superheroes, creating an opportunity to share perspectives on hospital-based education and the importance of helping children remain connected to learning during periods of illness and treatment.

"The conversations with First Lady Zelenska and her team created a valuable opportunity to share how we support students in a hospital setting," says Cheri Schwartz, principal, Dr. Gordon Townsend School.

"The questions and perspectives they brought from Ukraine's School of Superheroes led to a meaningful exchange of ideas. Although our schools serve children in very different circumstances, we share a common belief that every child deserves access to learning."

Representatives from the Alberta Children’s Hospital Foundation also had the opportunity to share how community support has helped strengthen care, education and support for patients and families.

Dr. Claudia Hudspeth, president and CEO of the Alberta Children's Hospital Foundation, shared: “The Alberta Children’s Hospital is a powerful reflection of what this community can achieve when we come together with purpose, compassion and shared commitment.

“We were grateful for the opportunity to speak with First Lady Zelenska and learn from one another. There is so much that Canada and Ukraine can share as we work together to advance care, hope and healing for children and families."

As the visit concluded, First Lady Zelenska was extended an open invitation to return to Alberta Children's Hospital in the future, in hopes of continuing the exchange of ideas and collaboration in support of children.

More information and video from the visit are available on the official website of the President of Ukraine: Olena Zelenska Learned About Canada's Experience in Establishing Hospital-Based Schools.