In times of crisis, when many aspects of life are disrupted, one of the most crucial pillars of society remains education. Anna Rekeda, a high schooler from New Jersey, has found a way to make a significant impact on the lives of young students in Ukraine, offering them much-needed hope through education. Her story is one of dedication, selflessness, and a deep commitment to making the world a better place.
Anna Rekeda has been actively involved in Unity for Freedom, a nonprofit organization founded by her father, Alexander Rekeda, in 2022. The organization has worked tirelessly to provide humanitarian aid to those in need, particularly those affected by difficult circumstances. Through her father’s organization, Anna has witnessed firsthand the challenges many people face worldwide, which has motivated her to contribute her own efforts toward positive change.
While working alongside her father to raise funds and coordinate relief efforts, Anna felt compelled to take a more personal, direct approach to make a difference. She recognized that education, especially in times of hardship, is crucial not only for maintaining a sense of normalcy but also for a better future. Motivated by this, she began offering free English tutoring to high school students. What started as a small endeavor quickly grew into something much bigger. Anna’s efforts began with just three students—two from Kyiv and one from Obukhov. It wasn’t long before her outreach led her to connect with PS #22, a school in Sumy, Ukraine.
The city of Sumy, located in northeastern Ukraine, has long faced challenges due to its proximity to conflict zones. However, the school remained a place of learning, and an English teacher there reached out to Anna, offering a list of students eager to take part in this opportunity. Anna took it upon herself to start tutoring a couple of students two times a week, delivering lessons with enthusiasm and passion. Over time, the initiative expanded as Anna began to involve some of her friends from New Jersey in the tutoring sessions. Together, they formed Tutors Without Borders, a student-led organization that provides free English lessons to Ukrainian high school students. What began with just three students soon blossomed into an endeavor that now reaches nearly twenty students.
Tutoring, however, is not just about teaching language. Anna quickly realized that her students were seeking more than just academic help. Many of them were looking for a distraction from the hardships surrounding them, and the lessons became a source of psychological relief. The act of learning provided them with a much-needed break from the challenging realities of their everyday lives. Anna was deeply moved when one of her students asked if they should continue their English lessons during a difficult time. They decided to continue their lesson as they moved to a cellar, using the hour as a respite from the turmoil around them. Over time, these tutoring sessions became a symbol of normalcy and hope, offering the students a sense of connection to the outside world—a world beyond their immediate struggles.
Anna’s commitment to the students has been unwavering, and her efforts have not gone unnoticed. The mayor of Sumy recognized Anna’s extraordinary contributions to the community by awarding her a medal for her volunteer work. This honor was a testament to her selfless dedication to supporting Ukrainian students during such challenging circumstances. Her work with Tutors Without Borders continues to grow, with more students joining the initiative and additional volunteers stepping up to help.
While Anna’s volunteer work is impressive, she is also an exceptional student in her own right. Fluent in five languages—Ukrainian, Spanish, Russian, French, and Italian—Anna is an active member of the National Honor Society, where she has been recognized for her academic achievements. She also finds time to participate in competitive fencing, a passion she has nurtured alongside her academic and volunteer commitments. Despite her busy schedule, Anna continues to balance her various responsibilities with grace and commitment.
Anna Rekeda’s story is one of inspiration and perseverance. It represents the power of young people to create change, even through small acts of kindness and care. Her journey proves that one individual’s determination can profoundly help others, fostering hope and making a lasting impact. By using education as her vehicle and focusing on Ukrainian students in need, Anna has shown how one act of generosity—one lesson at a time—can lead to a brighter future.
Her volunteer work with Tutors Without Borders is an example of the difference one person can make when they choose to act with purpose and compassion. Anna’s dedication continues to inspire those around her, proving that even in times of difficulty, education remains one of the most powerful tools for creating positive change in the world.
