Devon Ukrainian Association’s School of Ukrainian Studies Celebrates First-Year Success and Launches Regional Heritage & Education Initiative for 2025

The Devon Ukrainian Association (DUA) proudly announces the successful first year of its School of Ukrainian Studies, a groundbreaking educational initiative dedicated to preserving Ukrainian language, culture, and heritage for children and families displaced by the war in Ukraine. This project, which emerged from a pilot Ukrainian Saturday School launched in November 2023, stands as a vital mission to ensure that future generations remain deeply connected to their roots despite the ongoing uncertainty of return.

“As our children grow increasingly fluent in English, many risk losing touch with their native Ukrainian language and cultural traditions,” said one of the parents. “The School of Ukrainian Studies was founded to foster a sense of identity, pride, and belonging—ensuring that wherever these children may live in the future, they will carry their Ukrainian heritage in their hearts.”

A Year of Growth and Impact

In January 2024, following a successful pilot, the Ukrainian Saturday School was officially relaunched under the banner of “Школа Українознавства” (The School of Ukrainian Studies). Within three months, the teaching team grew from one educator to five, enabling the school to refine its curriculum and strengthen community ties. Through strategic partnerships with local schools, libraries, cultural centers, and community organizations, the program integrated Ukrainian heritage programmes into the broader cultural landscape of Devon. These collaborations, involving Exeter School, Libraries Unlimited, Exeter Phoenix, St. Sidwell Community Centre, have enhanced awareness and understanding of Ukrainian culture among the local population.

By addressing the disruptions caused by remote learning, the COVID-19 pandemic, and the instability of wartime displacement, the School of Ukrainian Studies has ensured that children receive the support they need to thrive academically and culturally.

Mentorship and Cultural Exchange

A key factor in the school’s development was the mentorship provided by Headmaster Kateryna Tyshkul of The Taras Shevchenko Manchester Ukrainian Saturday School. Drawing on 16 years of experience, Tyshkul guided DUA’s educational team to shape a curriculum that not only upholds academic standards but also fosters a profound connection to Ukrainian identity. This mentorship helped DUA adapt proven methodologies that have sustained Manchester’s Ukrainian community since the mid-20th century.

In June 2024, representatives from DUA, including the school’s first Headmaster, Oksana Kryviak, and Executive Team members Anastasiia Kuzentsova and Olya Petrakova, visited Manchester. There, they witnessed the deep-rooted cultural continuity spanning generations and observed how the Ukrainian Cultural Centre ‘Dnipro’ serves as a dynamic hub for cultural engagement. This experience further underscored the role of education in nurturing intergenerational cultural transmission and strengthening heritage bonds.

Ukrainian War Poetry Project

During their visit, DUA’s team led a poetic workshop as part of the “Ukrainian War Poetry” project—supported by the “Bridging Community Fund” and guided by Professors Hugh Roberts and Helen Vassallo of the University of Exeter. The initiative introduced powerful contemporary Ukrainian war poetry to the Manchester community, illuminating the cultural significance of literature. Tyshkul expressed her gratitude, noting that these verses evoke profound emotion and serve as a unifying force, connecting children to their cultural heritage through language, history, and shared experiences.

Looking Ahead: The Devon-Ukrainian Heritage & Education Initiative (2025)

As 2024 draws to a close, DUA is excited to announce the launch of the Devon-Ukrainian Heritage & Education Initiative in 2025. This forward-looking project plan will provide a scalable framework for local councils across Devon and the wider South West region to include Somerset and Cornwall to replicate the DUA’s Ukrainian School model. By following its guidelines, councils can foster high-quality supplementary education for Ukrainian children, preserve cultural traditions, and ensure smooth integration into the local environment. Over time, the initiative aims to establish multiple hubs of Ukrainian learning and culture, strengthening intercultural understanding and community cohesion throughout the region.

By following this integrated project plan, councils across Devon can confidently implement a Ukrainian Saturday School model that promotes academic excellence, cultural preservation, and vibrant community connections, ensuring that Ukrainian heritage thrives and enriches the wider community for generations to come.

Acknowledgments and Gratitude

DUA extends heartfelt thanks to all who have contributed to the School of Ukrainian Studies, including Devon County Council, Exeter City Council, University of Exeter, UNESCO Exeter City of Literature, The Taras Shevchenko Manchester Ukrainian Saturday School, Embassy of Ukraine to the UK, Inna Yehorova, Ludmila Talbot, Exeter Library, Exeter Phoenix, Nataliya Bondaryeva, Olha Kulynych, Olha Rachek, The Crown Estate, Nuveen, Princesshay Management, and especially the parents who bring their children to Exeter every Saturday. Their unwavering support has helped nurture Ukrainian culture and heritage in Devon and provides a model for future cultural and educational endeavors across the region.

As 2025 approaches, DUA remains committed to strengthening these partnerships, expanding the school’s reach, and ensuring that the Ukrainian heritage continues to flourish and shape the lives of generations to come.