Roksolana Stefanyshyn, Vice President of Public Affairs at PanteonX Charitable Foundation

 

"What is freedom? What good does it hold?" The concept of freedom as articulated by H. Skovoroda in De Libertate has shaped the Ukrainian nation since the era of Hetman Khmelnytsky and continues to resonate today. This symbol of national identity is ingrained in the trident since the times of Kyivan Rus. The spirit of freedom has been embedded in our history, culture, and language since time immemorial. To be Ukrainian means to honor national dignity and remember not only the tragic but also the glorious chapters of our history. Particularly now, in the midst of war, preserving cultural identity of Ukrainian children abroad is vital. Despite adapting to a new environment, it is essential to pass down cultural heritage to foster their intellectual and spiritual Ukraine-focused identity.

Balancing Integration and Preserving Cultural Heritage

The war has forced millions to flee their homes in search of safety for their children, who represent Ukraine's future. However, the challenge of integrating into new societies is inevitable. Learning the language of the host country is essential for integration, but losing the Ukrainian language will gradually distance children from their native culture. Parents and educators turn to weekend schools, online classes, and community-based initiatives to ensure children remain fluent in Ukrainian. This connection can be preserved through engaging children in cultural celebrations, supporting education in their native language, and creating environments for interaction with other Ukrainian peers.

According to the European Commission, from February 24, 2022 to July 16, 2024, a total of 856,747 Ukrainian children have been integrated into the school systems of EU countries. Meanwhile, the Ministry of Education and Science of Ukraine states that this year, 390,000 Ukrainian children abroad are continuing their education through Ukrainian curricula via distance learning schools or online platforms. Ukrainian schools abroad have become hubs for preserving traditions, history, and language. Through interactive programs combining the study of the Ukrainian language, folk music, and crafts, these schools maintain children's bond with their homeland. Voluntary organizations also play a significant role in supporting similar initiatives.

Russia's attack on Ukrainian cultural identity, including the looting of national treasures and the destruction of cultural landmarks, is evidence of its deliberate operation to destroy Ukrainian authenticity. Preserving Ukrainian culture should become a national priority during the country's recovery process and be reflected in Ukraine's National recovery plan at various levels. (Last year, the government adopted the Strategy for the establishment of Ukrainian national and civic identity until 2030).

Supporting the cultural identity of Ukrainians abroad not only preserves our heritage but also promotes personal and professional growth for children, enriching their experiences. Cross-cultural interaction can be beneficial for developing resilience, broadening perspectives, and acquiring new skills. Cultural identity also plays a crucial role in the international labor market. Diversity and cultural competence have become essential factors in creating inclusive work environments, fostering development and collaboration among people from different cultures.

Educational Opportunities Expansion

Since 2022, the number of Ukrainian schools abroad has increased a hundredfold. Many new educational projects and schools for Ukrainian children have appeared in European countries, organized by volunteers, Ukrainian communities, or local authorities, including:

- Poland: over 100 Ukrainian Saturday schools and Polish educational institutions offer lessons based on the Ukrainian curriculum. According to the Polish Ministry of National Education, among 134,000 Ukrainian students, some 106,000 attend primary schools, and 28,000 are in secondary schools.

- Germany: schools offer a mixed teaching format (online and in-person) for younger and middle school students.

- Spain: over 200 educational centers and programs for Ukrainian children provide access to studying the Ukrainian language, history, and culture and help them adapt to local school systems.

- Denmark: Palianytsia project in Frederiksberg provides education for students in grades 1-11.

- The Netherlands: Ukrainian classes in Utrecht, occupying two floors, teach children aged 12-17.

Poland leads the EU in the number of registered Ukrainian students – over 528,000. In comparison, around 290,000 children are in school in Germany, while 70,500 in the Czech Republic, and between 30,000 and 40,000 in Italy, Romania, Spain, and Slovakia. In the UK, new schools and Saturday classes for Ukrainian children have also opened. For instance, one of the largest Ukrainian Saturday schools in London has expanded its programs for newly arrived students.

Educational opportunities abroad help not only to ensure continuous learning for Ukrainian children but also to preserve their connection to their heritage, even when thousands of kilometers away from home.

Preserving Cultural Traditions

Cultural traditions, alongside language, are fundamental to preserving identity. From Ukrainian holidays, like St. Nicholas Day, Christmas Eve with carols, and Easter with pysanky (Easter eggs), to learning traditional dances and songs – these customs become a lifeline to a familiar world. Displaced families often unite to create cultural hubs that replicate parts of Ukraine wherever they have settled.

Although, maintaining traditions comes with challenges. Limited resources, the psychological burden of forced displacement, and the pressure of adapting to new circumstances weaken some efforts. Integration into the educational systems of host countries offers opportunities, but it also carries the risk of assimilation at the cost of losing identity. Yet, their identity can become a strong foundation. By nurturing pride in their roots, Ukrainian children have the opportunity to grow into individuals who combine national resilience with the ability to adapt to the challenges of the modern world. For Ukraine to have a successful future, its young generation must not only preserve cultural heritage but also actively pass it on, regardless of where fate has led them.

Ways to Adapt and Preserve Identity

- Educational initiatives: creating schools and cultural clubs for Ukrainians abroad, adapting curricula.

- Technology: using online platforms for learning and staying connected to Ukraine.

- Cultural events: participating in festivals, holidays, and other activities that promote Ukrainian culture.

- International partnerships: supporting identity-preservation programs at the government level, including these issues in Ukraine's National recovery plan.

These efforts require the appropriate support from both the Ukrainian community abroad and government and international organizations. It is essential to ensure proper funding, create collaborative projects, and support local initiatives that help maintain the bond with Ukraine, even at a distance.

PanteonX Charitable Foundation actively supports the preservation of the cultural and national identity of Ukrainian children abroad, facilitating their integration into new societies:

· Preserving national identity: Workshops on art, music, and theater, as well as cultural festivals, promote traditional Ukrainian heritage. This gives children the opportunity to explore their culture more deeply and develop a sense of pride in their origin.

· Educational support. The Foundation collaborates with local educational institutions to help develop Ukrainian schools in Spain, providing students with textbooks according to the Ukrainian curriculum and modern multimedia and computer equipment.

· Innovative teaching methods. Educational programs incorporate elements of neuro-pedagogy, Montessori methods, rhythmics, and interactive learning through play. These activities help children aged 6 to 17 develop their creative potential and skills for well-rounded personal growth.

· Social integration. Events focused on cross-cultural communication help children adapt to their new environment while maintaining ties to their native traditions.

Preserving identity is not only a response to the challenges of globalization and war, but also the key to shaping a sustainable future. This process is a great responsibility to future generations and a valuable investment in our shared tomorrow.