Tag: Ukrainian Language and Songs

Some meetings stay with you long after the screen goes dark. On October 14, 2026, thanks to the kind invitation of Tanya Grygorska, I joined an online meeting hosted by the Education Department of the National Congress of Ukrainian Associations of Italy (Національний Конгрес українських асоціацій Італії, Natsionalnyi Konhres ukrainskykh asotsiatsii Italii), moderated by Olha…

On return, self-determination, and one sentence the President did not need to say The Ukrainian word is надія (nadiia). English gives us “hope,” which is close but thinner. Надія is not optimism and it is not a forecast. It is the thing a person carries while waiting, without knowing the outcome, and it belongs to…

How the song books were written, and why they start with singing Vancouver Island, August 2026. A vyshyvanka (vy-SHY-van-ka), an embroidered Ukrainian shirt, on the beach where these books were written. Last week I finished two books that are really one journey told twice. In Ukrainian: 35 днів, 35 пісень, 35 уроків (35 dniv, 35 pisen, 35…

Yesterday, something extraordinary happened in classrooms across Ireland. For the first time in history, over 570 Ukrainian students sat for their Leaving Certificate exam in their mother tongue, a milestone that speaks to more than academic achievement. It speaks to survival, identity, and the profound understanding that language is power. In Youghal, East Cork, Mariia…

🌍📚 This is more than a pilot project. It’s a promise to the future. Starting in 2025, students in four academic regions of France, Paris, Nice (Alpes-Maritimes), Versailles, and Créteil, will have the opportunity to learn Ukrainian as a second foreign language in collèges and lycées. This historic step, confirmed by France’s Minister of National…

Introduction: When Protest Speaks in Many Languages On April 5, 2025, millions of people across the United States and around the world joined “Hands Off!” demonstrations against what organizers describe as a billionaire-led dismantling of American democracy (CNN, 2025; BBC News, 2025). The protest movement, responding to the Trump administration’s aggressive government downsizing, immigrant crackdowns,…

The Kamloops Ukrainian Catholic Church was filled with anticipation as Sasha prepared for a special lesson. Today’s class was dedicated to celebrating Team Canada’s incredible victory, blending language, culture, and hockey history. Wearing his Winnipeg Jets jersey, his first connection to Canadian hockey, Sasha greeted the class. “Друзі! (Friends!) Today, we honor Team Canada’s success…

The Kamloops Ukrainian Catholic Church buzzed with excitement as Sasha arranged chairs in the classroom. Every Saturday afternoon, the space transformed into a bridge between generations, connecting the diaspora to their Ukrainian roots. Today, however, was extra special. Sasha loved teaching history, but nothing thrilled him more than combining it with sports. He clapped his…

To commemorate this year’s International Mother Language Day on 21 February to promote awareness of linguistic and cultural diversity and to promote multilingualism I have decided to share some reflections on my Ukrainian language journey. Here is the newest essay: The Influence of Teachers in Fostering Love for the Ukrainian Language Language is more than…

Image Credits: Youtube Video Raisa Kyrychenko, Ya Kozachka Tvoya and Chat GPT The Kamloops Ukrainian Catholic Church echoed with warmth and laughter as Sasha arranged chairs in a cozy classroom. Every Saturday afternoon, the space became a little piece of Ukraine: full of stories, history, and song. Today, however, was special. Sasha loved sharing his…