Online conference “How can Ukrainians preserve their identity abroad?”

On the eve of Knowledge Day, which marks the start of the school year, the 2nd Forum of Ukrainian Educators in Italy invites you to the online conference “How can Ukrainians preserve their identity abroad?”

Organisers: the association “Diaspora Ucraina Mantova”, with the support of the Department of Education of the National Congress of Ukrainian Associations in Italy (CNAUI)

When: Sunday 31 August 2025 at 14:00 (Rome time)

Where: Online, on Google Meet

Who for: Teachers, educators, education professionals and all Ukrainians who care

Register at this link: https://www.ucrainamantova.com/it/blank/yak-zberegti-ukraintsyam-samobutnist-za-kordonom/form

The event will be a discussion of the key issues facing the Ukrainian educational community abroad.

You will have the chance to talk with representatives of the Church, who will speak about preserving spiritual traditions.
Teachers will share their experience of unconventional teaching methods and discuss the drawbacks and advantages of distance learning, showing the new opportunities it opens up for education in the diaspora. Academic speakers will present a case study of effective communication with public authorities on introducing the Ukrainian language into local schools.

Preserving national identity and distinctiveness far from one’s homeland is an important task that calls for a joint effort.
So how can Ukrainians hold on to their identity so far from Ukraine? The answer to this key question lies in pulling together at several levels: cultural, educational, civic and informational.
The foundation on which Ukrainian identity abroad rests is culture, education and the Church, and of course good communication within the diaspora itself. It is these that forge a strong bond with the homeland. Saturday schools and language and history courses are the bridge that passes knowledge and values on to the next generations. Keeping folk traditions alive, from celebrating Christmas to holding folklore evenings, preserves the living spirit of being Ukrainian. That is why the Ukrainian church, school, library or cultural centre has always been, and still is, the heart of the community, where the language, spiritual values, the sense of belonging to the Ukrainian community and the feeling of being at home are kept alive.

Preserving Ukrainian identity is a path of unity, a complex process that requires constant reflection, sharing of practical experience and a willingness to work together.
Joining forces is not only the key to preserving identity, but also a vital contribution to the struggle for justice, freedom and Ukraine’s Victory.
We invite everyone to join the discussion of this important topic, so that together we can find answers and share our ideas.

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