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Bristol Ukrainian community establishes school to preserve cultural heritage
Amid the ongoing conflict in Ukraine, the Ukrainian community in Bristol has taken a step to preserve their cultural heritage by establishing a school dedicated to teaching the younger generation about Ukrainian culture and language.
This is the first-ever attempt to establish a Ukrainian school in Bristol and the initiative was born out of both a sense of cultural pride and a response to the turmoil in Ukraine.
According to the founders, it aims to ensure that future generations pass down and cherish Ukrainian traditions and language.
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The Bristol Ukrainian School opened its doors on Saturday, May 25 at the Ukrainian Hub at Westbury on Trym Methodist Church on Westbury Hill.
“This initiative marks an exciting moment for our Ukrainian community. Our aim is to create an enriching environment where children can immerse themselves in the beauty of Ukrainian heritage. Through lessons and playful activities, they will learn about traditions, history, and language, all while connecting with peers who share their native tongue,” said one of the founders of Ukrainian School Bristol, Antonina Grebeniuk.
This is the first ever attempt to establish a Ukrainian school in Bristol and the initiative was born out of both a sense of cultural pride and a response to the turmoil in Ukraine
Antonina, a Ukrainian living in Bristol, is a well-known figure in the Bristol Ukrainian community.
She has previously organised the Ukrainian Independence Day celebrations on August 24, 2023, and co-organised the “Ukraine Not Forgotten” commemoration event on February 24, 2024, at The Galleries.
The Ukrainian School Bristol has announced their partnership with the Ukraine Aid and Welfare Charity, also founded by Antonina Grebeniuk, and trustees William Maude-Roxby, Tetiana Bezsmertna, and Oleksandra Vereshchagina.
“Our aim is to create an enriching environment where children can immerse themselves in the beauty of Ukrainian heritage,” said the founder of Ukrainian School in Bristol, Antonina Grebeniuk
Trustee William Maude-Roxby said: “We are thrilled to witness the pride and joy that children experience when communicating in their own language.
“Our school serves as a vital hub for students to connect with their peers and maintain a strong bond with their cultural heritage. It’s truly inspiring to see the positive impact on their sense of identity and community. But the Ukrainian School is not our only project that needs funding. There are other urgent and heartbreaking causes, such as the plight of premature babies in Ukraine who desperately need our support.”
“We are thrilled to witness the pride and joy that children experience when communicating in their own language,” said the trustee William Maude-Roxby
The school is staffed by volunteers, many of whom are recent immigrants and refugees from Ukraine. These volunteers bring with them a deep understanding of Ukrainian culture and a passion for educating the younger generation. The curriculum is designed to be engaging and interactive, with a strong emphasis on storytelling, folk music, and traditional crafts.
All photos: UAW
Read next:
- Continuing to provide much-needed aid for the people of Ukraine
- War memorial wrapped in Ukraine flag to mark first anniversary of invasion
- Bristol’s Ukrainian community marks two years since Russian invasion
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