Association of Ukrainian Organisations in Estonia – 25 years: a path of unity, culture and inspiration

Only 22 days left until the festival “Vyshyvanka Unites – Rahvustikand ühendab”!

And while we prepare together for our biggest ethno festival of the year, we want to share another important event with you – this year the Association of Ukrainian Organisations in Estonia celebrates its 25th anniversary!

25 years is a quarter of a century of inspired work – the story of a community that, far from home, preserves the Ukrainian word, song and traditions and passes them on to the next generations. It is a story of love for Ukraine, the power of unity, talent, inspiration and tireless work.

The Association was founded on 30 May 2000. Over this time the Association has become a strong cultural, educational and civic centre for Ukrainians in Estonia, uniting 19 Ukrainian organisations in Tallinn, Tartu, Valga, Pärnu, Sillamäe, Paide, Tapa and other towns:

• Ukrainian Cultural and Educational Society “PROSVITA”,
• Ukrainian Youth Association of Estonia,
• Ukrainian art studio “MRIJA”,
• Dance ensemble “Kolor”,
• Creative association “Orpheus”,
• Ukrainian society “Vitchyzna”,
• Ukrainian studio “Kobzaryk”,
• Ukrainian society “Kalyna”,
• Ukrainian media “DRUZI”,
• Ukrainian community “Vodograi”,
• Ukrainian community of Paide “Spogad”,
• Studio “DobroArt”,
• Non-profit art studio “Anima”,
• Ukrainian folk music ensemble “Dibrova”,
• Children’s reading club “KOLO”,
• Stand Up from UA (OÜ Gumor UA),
• Community library Spilno_ee,
• Union of handicraft masters “Ukraina Käsitöö Meistrid”,
• Psychological support organisation for children and teenagers “Kotygoroško”.

Ukrainian Sunday and Saturday schools also operate under the Association’s aegis: “Nadija” (Tallinn), “Vodograi” (Sillamäe), “Kalyna” (Valga) and the school of the Ukrainian Youth Association “SUM” (Tallinn).

Ensembles, studios and creative clubs are active:

• Ukrainian song and dance ensemble “Volya”. Artistic director Yevhenii Novokhatnii, chief choreographer Anastasiia Kozachok, head of the vocal group Kateryna Chalova
• Ensemble “Vodograi”. Artistic director Svitlana Stashkevych
• Bandura ensemble. Artistic director Alla Inno-Yakymenko
• Dance ensemble “Kolor”. Artistic director Nina Hets
• Ensemble “Kalyna”. Artistic director Ruslana Dovha
• Ukrainian folk music ensemble “Dibrova”. Leader Aliona Duminika
• Ensemble “Dzherelo”. Leader Taras Muzychko
• Literary and creative club “Kryla”. Leader Liubov Laur

Most of these ensembles will take an active part in the concert programme at the festival “Vyshyvanka Unites”, which promises to be a true celebration of Ukrainian culture in Estonia!

For its contribution to preserving national identity and to cultural diplomacy, the Association has repeatedly received letters of thanks and certificates of honour from the governments of Estonia and Ukraine, and members of its board have received state awards.

And although we sometimes get tired and miss home, all it takes is to hear a Ukrainian song or see your smiles, and our strength returns. Because we are together. Because Ukraine is in our hearts. Here. Always!

Thank you to everyone who has been with us on this path!

And those who are not with us yet – join us! Even more bright events lie ahead!

With love, your team of the Association of Ukrainian Organisations in Estonia.