A project to preserve the Ukrainian language and culture among refugee children

Another wonderful event took place on Ukraine’s Independence Day that is worth telling about. At the invitation of the director of the Happy Classes training centre Nadezda Kleptsova representatives of the Association took part in the closing of a project dedicated to preserving the Ukrainian language and culture among refugee children.

Parents and guests gathered that day to celebrate their children’s achievements in the project and to mark the main holiday of Ukrainians. The Happy Classes project is now in its second year with the support of the Ministry of Culture and the Integration Foundation.

During this time the children:

• wrote their own book
• prepared a play
• did sports (disc golf, surfing)
• and most importantly – were immersed in a Ukrainian language and cultural environment.

Our talented artists – the duo “Strings of the Soul”, Aliona Duminika, leader of the ensemble “Dibrova”, and Liudmyla Hramiak – adorned the programme with an inspired performance on domra and bandura.

Their music was a heartfelt greeting to everyone present and reminded us once again that Ukrainian song can unite hearts even far from home.

The children and parents were also addressed by the Association’s PR director Inna Hordiienko. She thanked the project participants for their work and inspiration, and the parents for their trust and support, because it is their decisions that determine whether children keep their native language and love for their culture.

“Our main goal is exactly what you are doing here: preserving the Ukrainian language, culture and our Ukrainian identity in Estonia. That is why our hearts rejoice every time we see initiatives and projects like yours. It is thanks to you that the Ukrainian word, Ukrainian song and Ukrainian traditions continue to live even far from home.

She also congratulated everyone on Independence Day and noted that at this very moment, while we enjoy a wonderful day, thousands of the best sons and daughters are giving all their strength – and even their lives – so that Ukraine’s future is free.

“You, dear children, are the future of our country. It is for you that your parents are fighting for freedom. So that you can grow, learn, dream, find friends and discover the world – in an independent Ukraine. And it depends on you what it will be like.”

We are grateful to Happy Classes Koolituskeskus for this extremely important initiative and for carrying out the project for Ukrainian children in Estonia. Together we keep Ukraine in our hearts – wherever we are.