A Ukrainian Learning Center has officially opened in Hayward, California, a new community educational and cultural center where children will learn their native language, history, geography, and art. This is the third Ukrainian school in the San Francisco metropolitan area that unites the diaspora around the idea of preserving language and identity.
This was announced by the Ukrainian Learning Center.
“This is not just a school, it is the heart of the Ukrainian community. Friendships, ideas, and new projects will be born here. This is our common space of love for Ukraine,” the organizers emphasized.
The opening ceremony began traditionally with the performance of the Ukrainian National Anthem, the cutting of the ribbon, and the ringing of the first bell. A concert, meeting with teachers, and trial classes were organized for children and parents.
“Our first day at school It was easy and friendly – so that children and parents could comfortably get acquainted and start the school year. Children tried their hand at various activities: history and geography (Rostyslav Buchko) Ukrainian language and reading club (Yulia Kosivchuk and Maria Stokolosa) chess and checkers (Vasyl Stokolosa and Denys Kalinichenko) self-defense (Yulia Kosivchuk) And parents, meanwhile, shared their thoughts and challenges in preserving and developing the Ukrainian language in an English-speaking environment,” the Center noted.
Special guests at the opening were representatives of the Consulate General of Ukraine in San Francisco, singer NAVKA with her military husband Serhiy, as well as numerous volunteers and community activists.
“For all of us who are now far from our native land, it is important to support our native language and culture. The Ukrainian Learning Center is a place where the Ukrainian language is not just spoken; we create a full-fledged Ukrainian-speaking environment where children not only develop and learn, but also think, communicate and grow,” the Center emphasizes.
Background
Studies at the Ukrainian Learning Center will be held every Sunday from 10:00 to 13:00 at Southgate Elementary School (26601 Calaroga Ave, Hayward, CA 94545). The educational process will be provided by 11 teachers in the Ukrainian language to create an environment where children can not only learn, but also think and communicate in their native language. The Center continues to accept children of primary and secondary school age, and also plans to create a group for children aged 4-5. The training is open to all interested parties, regardless of nationality or religion.
The curriculum includes: Ukrainian language and literature, history and geography of Ukraine, performing arts, music and fine arts, folk crafts (Petrykivsky painting, Easter egg making, Christmas “spider” crafts), electives: programming (Python), chess, physics, modern singing, karate, reading club.
In the near future, the organization of holiday concerts, creative workshops, a summer camp with camp songs, theatrical carols and street actions designed to unite the community around identity.
Photo: Anastasia Yurchenko
Author: Inna Mikhno