Sofiia Shmyhovska exemplifies how international students can make lasting positive changes in their adopted communities while pursuing their education. As a social work student at Thompson Rivers University (TRU), Shmyhovska has demonstrated exceptional research abilities and community engagement skills through multiple impactful projects (Andreas, 2022; Donnelly, 2023).
Creating Resources for Ukrainian Newcomers
In 2022, Shmyhovska, along with fellow Ukrainian student Yana Hulak, developed a comprehensive resource kit for Ukrainian newcomers to Canada through the Mitacs Globalink Research Internship at TRU (Islam, 2022; Mitacs, 2022). Their project included an interactive map of “safe spaces” across Canada, featuring Ukrainian churches, educational centers, cultural facilities, and other essential services (Chisholm, 2022). The project was supervised by Dr. Oleksandr Kondrashov, a TRU associate professor of social work who immigrated from Ukraine two decades ago (Andreas, 2022).
The resource kit proved particularly valuable as Canada welcomed more than 190,000 Ukrainians between March and August 2022 (Islam, 2022). When Shmyhovska and Hulak arrived in Kamloops in May 2022, they were greeted by community members singing the Ukrainian national anthem, an experience that shaped their project’s direction (Chisholm, 2022).
Recognizing language barriers as a significant challenge, Shmyhovska helped create virtual English lessons, which have benefited over 130 Ukrainians worldwide (Andreas, 2022; Islam, 2022).
Supporting Immigrant Children
In 2024, Shmyhovska become the first coordinator for the “School’s Out” program she created at BGC Kamloops, where she works with immigrant children facing adaptation challenges. The program provides crucial support for children learning to navigate a new culture while maintaining their identity. “I believe my work here is to make sure that children find what is comfortable for them in the new environment but also do not feel like they have to completely change who they are,” Shmyhovska explains (United Way British Columbia, 2024).
Building Future Opportunities
Currently, Shmyhovska is involved with the “Stand with Ukraine” initiative, which aims to raise $25,000 for a scholarship endowment supporting Ukrainian students at TRU (Donnelly, 2023). Despite facing personal challenges with family separated by war, she remains committed to creating opportunities for others. “Giving someone an opportunity to go study somewhere and simultaneously work through their trauma, and then come back and use their skill and knowledge to rebuild the country they want to live in, I feel it’s key for Ukrainian success,” she states (Donnelly, 2023).
The initiative includes cultural aspects, such as teaching community members how to make traditional Ukrainian dishes like nalysnyky, fostering understanding and connection between Ukrainians and Kamloops residents (Donnelly, 2023). Through her various roles and projects, Shmyhovska continues to demonstrate the impact that dedicated social work students can have on their communities.
Recognition of Excellence
Dr. Oleksandr Kondrashov, Associate Professor of Social Work at TRU, who has been mentoring social work students for over two decades, sees Shmyhovska’s journey as exemplary of the social work profession’s highest ideals. Her simultaneous engagement in research, community development, and direct practice with immigrant children demonstrates the multifaceted impact social work students can have on their communities. Dr. Kondrashov emphasizes the significance of Shmyhovska’s contributions: “Seeing students who engage in community on all levels is a dream for every social work educator to see students who grow through research and community engagement. I am grateful for Kamloops community and people who support Sofiia to allow her to share gifts with all of us”
Shmyhovska’s work transcends traditional academic boundaries, creating lasting positive change in the Kamloops community while building bridges between cultures. Her dedication to supporting newcomers, particularly children and families, while maintaining her own academic excellence and community involvement, exemplifies the transformative potential of social work education when combined with passionate commitment to community service.
References:
Andreas, J. (2022, August 16). Ukrainian interns at TRU help connect newcomers with English lessons and nationwide resources. Radio NL – Kamloops News. https://www.radionl.com/2022/08/16/ukrainian-interns-at-tru-help-connect-newcomers-with-english-lessons-and-nationwide-resources/
Chisholm, S. (2022, August 12). Ukrainian research interns at TRU help to create interactive map for those fleeing war. Castanet Kamloops. https://www.castanetkamloops.net/news/Kamloops/379855/Ukrainian-research-interns-at-TRU-help-to-create-interactive-map-for-those-fleeing-war
Donnelly, A. (2023, November 7). Food and fundraising: Stand with Ukraine working to create $25,000 endowment for Ukrainian students. CFJC Today Kamloops. https://cfjctoday.com/2023/11/07/food-and-fundraising-stand-with-ukraine-working-to-create-25000-endowment-for-ukrainian-students/
Islam, S. (2022, August 29). Ukrainian students in B.C. create a resource kit for other newcomers. Maple Ridge-Pitt Meadows News. https://www.mapleridgenews.com/news/ukrainian-students-in-b-c-create-a-resource-kit-for-other-newcomers-2671782
Mitacs. (2022, September 21). How some of Ukraine’s brightest minds are advancing Canadian innovation. Mitacs Innovation Insights. https://www.mitacs.ca/our-innovation-insights/how-some-of-ukraines-brightest-minds-are-advancing-canadian-innovation/
United Way British Columbia. (2024). SCHOOL’S OUT – A Kamloops Story 2024 [Video]. YouTube. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=w8ENn6RCMJc