When the Russians invaded Ukraine in February 2022, most people looked on in horror at scenes reminiscent of the Second World War. As millions fled from Putin’s armies, Sue Johns decided to use her business contacts and experience to try and get some of them to the safety of the UK.
Sue and husband Rick had set up Kingsway English Centre in Worcester in the early 1990s, and it was regularly named as one of the top language schools in the UK until the pandemic forced its closure in 2020. Kingsway provided English language training courses for thousands of international business people including many Russians and Ukrainians. Part of Kingsway’s service was arranging accommodation with local host families.
Once the British government introduced its Homes for Ukraine visa scheme, Sue was able to offer practical advice and assistance to dozens of people by using her Ukrainian contacts combined with her experience of matching students to families.
Her book “Leaving Ukraine” details some of the human stories behind the refugees who came to the UK and focuses in particular on the teenage boy who came to live with her family.
Her book is now available on Amazon as a paperback or an e-book: https://www.amazon.co.uk/Leaving-Ukraine-Sue-Johns/dp/1068504501 It is also for sale in independent Worcester bookshop, Script Haven.
Following the closure of Kingsway English Centre in 2020, Sue and Rick re-opened as Kingsway House Business Centre and offer a range of services and facilities to local business people: www.kingsway-house.co.uk