Key Points
- Robin Jowit, 87-year-old former Mayor of Richmond, recently returned from his third trip to Ukraine, working with Rotary International to monitor schools receiving financial donations and equipment.
- He visited cities including Kharkiv and Kyiv despite ongoing missile and drone attacks, stating he never felt anxious as “I’ve been twice before. Nothing frightens me.”
- In Kharkiv, schools are centralised within a few kilometres of the centre, enabling efficient monitoring; Rotary members coordinate closely with schools, opening doors for Jowit to meet headteachers, teachers, and children.
- Jowit described Ukrainian teachers as “heroes” for managing large numbers of children amid the war; one standout teacher impressed him with her dedication, leading Rotary to donate £20,000 for engineering equipment including 3D printers.
- On his latest visit, he checked progress at that school, noting children’s enthusiasm for STEM equipment like 3D printers and laser scanners to train “the engineers of the future to help rebuild Ukraine.”
- Jowit verifies that donations are well utilised by revisiting schools; Ukrainians welcome him, comforted by visits showing external care.
- His team once met Ukraine’s Deputy Prime Minister, who highlighted needs for window repairs and generators, essential for schools and charities educating children.
- He collaborates with one of 16 Rotary clubs in Kharkiv to avoid confusion, discussing plans over dinners as a team.
- Most touching aspect: children’s enthusiasm for 3D printers and STEM education, and teachers’ bravery.
- Jowit commended Ukrainian tenacity—people stay due to inability or unwillingness to leave, maintaining enthusiasm to “make it work.”
- His motivation stems from passion for education equity; despite private schooling for himself, parents, and children, he worries about the 93% in state schools lacking advantages.
- Began school governorship at age 45, serving 40 years; continues Ukraine work alongside golf and socialising, rejecting typical retirement.
Richmond upon Thames (South London News) January 22, 2026 – An 87-year-old former Mayor of Richmond has defied the perils of an active warzone to visit schools in Ukraine, monitoring aid from Rotary International amid missile and drone threats. Robin Jowit, who balances retirement golf and socialising with humanitarian trips, returned last month from cities including Kharkiv and Kyiv, verifying donations like £20,000 for STEM equipment. He described teachers as heroes and children as keen future engineers, underscoring Ukrainian tenacity in education despite the conflict.
Why Did an 87-Year-Old Enter a Warzone?
Robin Jowit, former Mayor of Richmond, views Ukraine not as a retirement deterrent but a calling. As reported in the original coverage, he stated:
“I’ve been twice before. Nothing frightens me.”
His third visit, last month, involved inspecting schools aided by Rotary International’s financial and equipment donations. Despite the nation’s exposure to missile and drone attacks, Jowit travelled freely to Kharkiv and Kyiv.
Kharkiv’s centralised school layout aids his work. He explained:
“Kharkiv is a more centralized area than Kyiv. All the schools in Kharkiv are within a few kilometers of the centre, so we’re able to do more there.”
Local Rotary members facilitate access, informing schools: “Well, I’ve got Robin Jowit coming from the UK, we’re looking at things we can do to help you” and the door is open. This allows meetings with headteachers, teachers, and children, plus direct discussions on challenges.
Jowit’s hands-on approach ensures accountability. He likes revisiting aided schools to confirm funds’ proper use. Ukrainians, he noted, welcome such visits, reassured that outsiders care enough to come amid war.
Which Schools Received Aid and How?
One teacher stood out for her zeal in children’s education. Impressed, Rotary allocated £20,000 to her school for engineering tools, including 3D printers. On his latest trip, Jowit returned to assess progress. “The children there are keen to get on,” he said.
“So, any school we went to had said they’re happy for us to give them STEM equipment, whether that be 3D printers or laser scanners.”
This aligns with a broader vision.
“We’re teaching the engineers of the future to help rebuild Ukraine,”
Jowit emphasised. “I think it’s terribly important for us to do this.” Schools express readiness for such tech, reflecting demand for practical skills in reconstruction.
His team coordinates with one of Kharkiv’s 16 Rotary clubs for clarity. They collaborate as a unit, planning over “Kharkivian dinner tables.” This structure streamlines aid amid chaos.
What Challenges Did Officials Highlight?
During one visit, Jowit and his team met Ukraine’s Deputy Prime Minister. The official stressed window repairs and generators’ necessity.
“Generators are vital for the running of schools and charities, that also play a role in the education of children,”
the Deputy Prime Minister informed them. Power reliability remains critical in war-affected areas.
Jowit witnessed inspirational resilience but pinpointed children’s zeal as most moving.
“The moment you mention 3D printers or STEM education, there’s this enthusiasm,”
he observed. He praised teachers’ bravery:
“I would say the thing that really touches me most is the enthusiasm of the kids and the bravery of the teachers. It just comes across to you.”
How Does Jowit Describe Ukrainian Spirit?
Commending the community, Jowit highlighted tenacity.
“I think it is their tenacity, because they either can’t afford to leave, or didn’t want to leave. It’s one of those two reasons,”
he said. “And they know they’re there and they’ve got to get on with the job. So, I think it’s their tenacity really, that they know they’ve got to make it work and in doing so they’ve got an enthusiasm to get on.”
This echoes his educational focus. Despite privileges—private schooling for parents, himself, and children—Jowit frets over state school pupils.
“But I worry about the 93% who go to state schools because they don’t have the same advantages as those who go to private school,”
he shared.
What Fuels Robin Jowit’s Passion?
Action springs from deep conviction. “I don’t do it for any other reason than I feel passionate about it,” Jowit declared. At 45, he became a school governor, serving 40 years to aid underprivileged education. Now 87, weekends mix golf, friends, and Ukraine trips.
Why Choose Ukraine Over Retirement Comfort?
Most pensioners shun warzones for leisure, yet Jowit integrates aid into retirement. His story challenges norms: an ex-Mayor prioritising frontline verification over safety.
How Has Rotary International Contributed?
Rotary channels donations effectively. Jowit’s monitoring ensures transparency—visits confirm equipment like 3D printers reaches children, fostering rebuild skills.
Broader Context of Aid Efforts
Jowit’s work spotlights Rotary’s role in 16 Kharkiv clubs, streamlined to one for his team. Dinners forge plans, blending logistics with cultural ties. The Deputy Prime Minister’s input on generators underscores systemic needs.
Children’s spark amid adversity moves him deepest. Teachers, juggling war and classes, earn “heroes” status. One teacher’s drive secured £20,000, transforming her school.
Jowit’s equity drive—sparked by state school concerns—propels him. Four decades governing, now Ukraine: passion unbroken.
Personal Reflections from the Frontline
“I’ve been twice before. Nothing frightens me,” encapsulates his resolve. Kharkiv’s accessibility beats Kyiv’s sprawl. Doors open via locals; faces light at STEM mentions.
Tenacity defines Ukrainians—rooted by choice or necessity, they persist. Jowit’s visits affirm: care travels distances.
