France hosts the inaugural Conference on Ukrainian Schooling

The First Conference on Ukrainian Schooling in France “Ukrainian School Abroad – the Main Factor in Preserving Ukrainian Identity” took place on June 29 in Paris. The event was organized by the UWC’s International Educational Coordinating Council (IECC), with the support of the Embassy of Ukraine in France.

Representatives from Ukrainian schools in 20 cities and towns across France have come together to pool their resources and capabilities in a collective effort to promote and expand Ukrainian education in the country.

Vadym Omelchenko, the Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary Ambassador of Ukraine to France, highlighted the Embassy’s key initiatives, stressing the critical importance of advancing Ukrainian education. He also mentioned ongoing efforts by the embassy to introduce “Ukrainian as a Foreign Language” as an elective subject in local French schools.

Viktoriya Gulenko, Director of the Vasyl Slipak Ukrainian Cultural Center in Paris, spoke about funding opportunities for Ukrainian educational centers abroad and the “Ukrainian Library” project, which aims to support and spread the Ukrainian language and culture within the diaspora.

Iryna Kliuchkovska, the International Institute of Education, Culture and Diaspora Relations (IECDR) Director, reminded attendees of IECDR’s main projects to assist Ukrainian educators in the diaspora and invited them to the Third World Forum of Ukrainian Studies Saturday and Sunday Schools in August.

“Thank you to all the conference participants who, through their concrete actions, selflessness, and dedication to the Ukrainian cause, unite Ukrainian communities where they live, create Ukrainian educational centers – often on a voluntary basis, understanding the urgent need to form, develop, and preserve Ukrainian identity abroad. I am inspired by the presentations of Ukrainian educators in France – each of them is steadfastly and reliably holding the educational front, which is crucial for Ukraine’s victory!” said Lyuba Lyubchyk, Chair of the UWC’s IECC.