In San Antonio, Texas, Ukrainian activists Olenka Bravo and Iryna Tymko have been developing the local Ukrainian community for several years, organizing cultural events, advocacy campaigns, and founding a Ukrainian school. Their work focuses on preserving national identity and supporting Ukraine from thousands of miles away.
This was reported by Ukrinform.
According to the report, the San Antonio community began actively forming after the Revolution of Dignity. Olenka Bravo, who emigrated from Kyiv to the U.S. in 2011, and Iryna Tymko, who arrived in 2023 through the United for Ukraine program, became driving forces behind local initiatives: they founded a Ukrainian school, organized rallies, charity events, and cultural activities involving local authorities. Olenka Bravo also launched an ethnographic American-Ukrainian project, "Batkivska Khata. Homestead," aimed at promoting authentic Ukrainian clothing, lifestyle, and crafts.
"Our project is not only an effort to preserve heritage but also a way to remind the world that Ukraine exists, that its history is deep, and its beauty and uniqueness deserve to be seen and heard," says Olenka Bravo.
The Ukrainian school in San Antonio operates on a volunteer basis in a facility provided by Our Lady of the Lake University. Currently, about 20 children aged 4–14 attend, studying Ukrainian language, history, and traditions. One of the most valuable aspects for both children and parents is the opportunity to interact with peers who share their culture and language.
"It is important for children to be among their own: among Ukrainians who share a similar mentality, traditions, and upbringing values. It’s a place where they can feel at home, finding support and understanding," emphasizes Iryna Tymko.
According to Olenka Bravo, the main focus of the Ukrainian community today is building relationships with the American public. Activists organize events to promote Ukrainian culture and advocate for Ukraine’s interests following Russia's full-scale invasion.
Since the Ukrainian community in San Antonio is relatively small, the primary focus of advocacy efforts is on American citizens who have the right to vote and who support Ukraine.
"Our main goal today is to build relationships with Americans because when people watch the news about a distant country, they often don't understand the real context. But when you personally know someone from Ukraine — an honest, hardworking person who pays taxes, has friends, and shares truthful information about Ukraine — it completely changes the perception. These people now have an emotional connection," says Olenka Bravo.
Photo: Olenka Bravo
Author: Inna Mikhno