St. John’s Institute (OSVITA PROGRAM)

2009 Year In Review:
OSVITA Ukrainian Language and Cultural Immersion Program
June 28 – August 1, 2009

This year’s OSVITA Ukrainian Immersion Program was a great success! Thirteen students aged fourteen to seventeen from across Canada came together to take part in the three-week program at St. John’s Institute in Edmonton. They earned credits toward their high school diplomas for their Ukrainian language classes. Evenings were filled with exciting programming, which included Ukrainian dancing, singing, art, religion, dialogue sessions, Ukrainian cuisine, and even OSVITA Olympics! Students also took part in cantoring workshops, sponsored by The Alberta Benevolent Cantors’ Association. Notably, we had the opportunity to learn more about each of our family’s immigration history with genealogy expert Ludvik Marianych!

Our weekends were filled with amazing Ukrainian excursions! OSVITA performed at the Opening Ceremonies of the Vegreville Ukrainian Pysanka Festival, visited different parishes, sang the liturgy and performed a concert at St. Vladimir’s in Calgary, and dressed as immigrants at the Ukrainian Cultural Heritage Village! A definite highlight was camping and hiking in Banff National Park, where students became familiar with Ukrainian internment history. The OSVITA Zabava was held at St. John’s Institute and featured DJ Roman Brytan. All of the students’ hard work and participation was showcased at the final concert, followed by the presentation of scholarships and awards, and a banquet. The borshch and varenyky were prepared by the students during our Baba and Dido’s Kitchen session!

Next year OSVITA is once again planning to travel to Ukraine. Students will have the opportunity to visit various cities throughout the country including Kyiv, L’viv, Ivano-Frankivs’k, Ternopil’, Yaremche, and Uzhhorod! This incredible experience gives students the chance to apply what they learned throughout the program!

The continuation of Ukrainian language and culture is important, as many families want to keep the Ukrainian language, culture, and traditions alive in the diaspora. OSVITA is an educational program that introduces and strengthens students’ knowledge of all things Ukrainian. Through participation, those of Ukrainian descent are able to discover their roots and be a part of this rich and beautiful culture!

The OSVITA program is looking forward to another unforgettable session in 2010! See you next summer!

– Oksana Gulka (Counselor from Grimsby, Ontario)

Next Osvita Program:

July 4 – 24, 2010

For further information about the OSVITA Program, please contact:

1.800.439.2320
[email protected]
www.stjohnsinstitute.com

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Photos

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