Ukrainian children living in Welwyn Garden City have a chance to maintain their language skills and preserve their cultural heritage at a new Saturday school.
The Ukrainian Saturday School opened on Saturday, September 30 thanks to Daria Diak, a Ukrainian who lives with her family in the UK.
She said: "Moving to a new country brings a whirlwind of challenges and opportunities, but it also opens doors to unexpected dreams.
"One day, a parcel arrived from Ukraine, carrying a treasure trove of Ukrainian books, including an edition with authentic Ukrainian carols.
"At that instant, a strong desire welled up inside me: I wanted to recreate the essence of a true Ukrainian Christmas in our new home, embracing our beloved traditions and melodies."
Daria reached out to other like-minded people, and together they organised various cultural events for Ukrainians living in the town, before deciding to set up the Saturday school.
They were assisted by Welwyn Hatfield Cllr Michal Siewniak, who Daria said "provided valuable support and encouragement when we needed it most".
Michal suggested seeking support from the CVS - Welwyn Hatfield Community for Voluntary Services - who helped with the necessary paperwork and documentation.
Daria said: "Without their unwavering support, the realisation of our dream - the establishment of the Ukrainian school - would have been a distant reality."
Carmen Dillon, Welwyn Hatfield CVS’s CEO, added: "The support provided by Welwyn Hatfield CVS for this initiative highlights the positive impact that collaborative efforts can have on our community.
"Education is a powerful tool for bringing people together and encouraging understanding."
The core objective of the Ukrainian Saturday School of Herts is to empower Ukrainian children living abroad by preserving their native language, fostering a strong connection to their history, and nurturing their mental wellbeing within a secure and supportive environment.
READ MORE
- It's a family affair - parents join son as students at University of Hertfordshire
- Coronation Fountain turns pink to mark Breast Cancer Awareness Month
Daria thanked Homerswood Primary and Nursery School for offering use of their classrooms for the lessons, and also praised the "exceptional teaching team".
Leadership responsibilities are shared between Daria and Liudmyla Kostiuchenko, who has 25 years of experience and a PhD in pedagogical sciences (the study of education).
Daria said: "We believe that fluency in one's native language is key to preserving cultural heritage.
"These lessons not only focus on language skills but also incorporate cultural elements, connecting them to their roots."
For more information email ukr.community.hertfordshire@gmail.com or call 07565 819969.
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules here