Ukrainians in Georgia announce winners of Shevchenko’s poetry recitation contest

In Tbilisi, the Taras Shevchenko International Ukrainian Cultural and Educational Center held the XVII traditional all-Georgian contest of Kobzar’s works reciters in Ukrainian and Georgian, dedicated to Shevchenko’s days, and announced the names of 10 winners. 

Traditionally, children from a variety of families participate in this competition. This year, more than 30 young participants recited Kobazar’s poems.  For many, the contest is also a way to learn Ukrainian or Georgian, as the competition requires participants to recite poetry in both languages.

“I am proud that for 17 years in a row, Shevchenko’s word has been heard in Georgia, that our Great Kobzar has become close and understandable to the Georgian people. I would like to see the number of people willing to participate in the traditional contest increase by the 20th anniversary,” said Lina Tatarashvili, the head of the organization.

The Taras Shevchenko International Ukrainian Cultural and Educational Center is the only organization in Georgia that conducts educational work through poetry contests. Every year, during Shevchenko Days, a competition of reciters of the Great Kobzar’s poetry is held. The NGO organizes a contest for Ukrainian poetry reciters on the Day of Ukrainian Writing and Language.