When Russia’s full-scale invasion disrupted the lives of millions, volunteers from around the world stepped up to stand with Ukraine. Among them was Chris Corb, an American teacher working in Morocco, who found a way to support Ukrainian youth despite living thousands of kilometers away and having a full-time job.

Through GoGlobal, an educational NGO connecting volunteers with students across Ukraine, Chris began leading online English-speaking clubs. Months later, he came to Kyiv to volunteer in person — an experience that left a lasting mark on both him and the young people he met.

Chris Corb, American teacher that works in Morocco

Here is his story, in his own words.

Why did you decide to volunteer with GoGlobal?
I was determined to support Ukraine despite the fact that I have a full-time job that is quite far away. When I started searching online, GoGlobal was one of the first results and stood with how organized it was. They responded to my inquiry about volunteering quickly and within approximately a week I had an interview and was assigned a speaking club.

What was your most memorable moment during a speaking club or camp?
One day we were drawing pictures of places and things that made us feel safe, happy, calm, etc. I was impressed and touched by how introspective and thoughtful the participants were in their explanations. I was also impressed by their resilience as they found comfort in basic things despite their hardships.

How has volunteering with Ukrainian youth impacted you personally?
It inspired me and helped me gain a better perspective on my own life and my own values; I have a better understanding of bravery, gratitude, and resilience. I was so inspired that I volunteered in-person (Kyiv) a few months later.

What surprised you the most about Ukrainian culture or teenagers?
I was surprised by how strong and positive they were. On some days they were clearly tired because of air attacks the night before, but they were still enthusiastic and motivated. I was also pleasantly surprised to find that many of them shared my taste in rock music!

What skills or knowledge do you feel you’ve shared with the participants?
Honestly, I feel the coordinators at GoGlobal deserve most of the credit for what the participants learned. When I decided to volunteer, I was relieved to see that there were thorough lesson plans prepared. This was helpful to me because, as a full-time teacher, I had been concerned about struggling to prepare another course, but this was not necessary. Moreover, the Ukrainian coordinators in the sessions were extremely effective at both leading but also giving me the chance to contribute. So, while I give credit to the formal instruction to the GoGlobal coordinators, I feel I was able to motivate the participants, offer them a chance to converse with a native speaker, and share about my own culture (U.S.) and the culture in which I work (Morocco).

If you had to describe your experience in 3 words, what would they be?
Inspiring, life-affirming, zero-stress.

What advice would you give to future volunteers?
Just dive into it! Even as a teacher I was afraid I would not do a good job, but GoGlobal sets up its volunteers for success and offers support. Moreover, the Ukrainians in my session (and the ones I met within Ukraine) were kind, grateful, hard-working, curious, and inspirational. All this makes it not only easy but a pleasure to volunteer even if you don’t have much experience.

How do you stay connected with Ukraine or the people you met here?
I keep in touch with the coordinators regularly through messaging apps and other updates. I had the pleasure of meeting one in person when I volunteered in Kyiv. Once I met the youth and other volunteers, I became personally and emotionally invested in their success and Ukraine’s success overall. Even though I am back to my “normal” life and no longer in Ukraine, volunteering made me feel that my destiny was tied to Ukraine’s and gave me a larger sense of purpose, so in some ways I feel I haven’t left. I plan to volunteer again in the future.

What does youth empowerment mean to you as a volunteer?
I can’t separate my profession as a language teacher from my volunteering. Unfortunately, there are many skills I cannot offer Ukrainian youth or Ukraine in general. At the same time, I believe in the power of language, communication, and self-expression. So, for me, my hope is that I helped empower Ukrainian youth to tell their story on a global level so that the whole world will be inspired by them and what they stand for.

Chris’s story is a reminder that you don’t need to live in Ukraine to make a real difference. Whether online or in person, sharing your time, skills, and humanity can empower young Ukrainians, give them hope, and connect them to the world.

If you’ve been thinking about volunteering in Ukraine, now is the time. Programs like GoGlobal make it simple, structured, and deeply rewarding — and the gratitude you’ll receive will stay with you for a lifetime.

🌍 Start your volunteering journey here: https://www.volunteeringukraine.com/en/volunteering-opportunities