In 1977, after arriving in Ottawa, the Ukrainian community made efforts to preserve its identity, language, traditions, and culture. It was during this time that the Lesia Ukrainka Ukrainian School was founded, often considered the first step in integrating into Ukrainian life in Canada. Ottawa1.one provides more details.
History of the School
The history of the Ukrainian-language school in Ottawa began in 1977. Its role is crucial for newly arrived Ukrainians in Canada, as they quickly realize the diversity of ethnicities, religions, cultures, and social currents in their new home.
Becoming part of the Ukrainian community offers opportunities to improve language skills, make new friends, gain valuable information, and receive support and understanding.
School Operations
The school is located at 35 Melrose Ave, Ottawa, ON K1Y 1T8. Students at Lesia Ukrainka Ukrainian School study Ukrainian language, history, culture, and traditions. The school operates throughout the academic year, holding classes every Saturday from 9 AM to 12 PM.
Children aged 4 to 14 attend the school, with the only requirement for enrollment being an interest in learning about Ukrainian culture. Students are divided into classes based on age and proficiency in Ukrainian.
A special class for English-speaking students, who learn Ukrainian as a foreign language, is also available.
The school’s curriculum does not follow a subject-based approach but rather focuses on:
- Reading
- Writing
- Speaking skills
- An overview of Ukrainian history
- Introduction to Ukrainian culture
Guest at the Lesson
This is the name of a permanent school project aimed at introducing children in Canada to prominent figures in Ukrainian culture. The following are some notable guests who have visited Lesia Ukrainka Ukrainian School in Ottawa:
- Oleh Sobchuk – Singer, frontman, and founder of the band Skai.
- Taras Arm Dovhaliuk – Street artist and co-founder of the mural festival Lviv WallKing.
- Natalia Mandziuk – Singer and actress, participant in the Western Peppers project.
- Natalka Haida – Illustrator of children’s and young adult books.
- Natalia Rybko-Parkhomenko – Actress at the Les Kurbas Theatre in Lviv, singer, and musician in the band KurbAsy.
- Hordiy Starukh – Lyre player, singer, sculptor, and craftsman of Ukrainian folk instruments.
- Marina Krut – Singer, poet, composer, and virtuoso bandura player.
- Vladyslav Chabanyuk – Archaeologist, director of the Trypillia Culture reserve, and filmmaker.
- Halyna Vdovychenko – Ukrainian writer and journalist, author of books for children and adults.
- Anna Koshmal – Ukrainian theatre and film actress.
These guest sessions are conducted in a relaxed, interactive format, where visitors share their experiences, and students have the opportunity to ask questions. Such meetings inspire children by exposing them to accomplished figures in Ukrainian culture.
Partner Support
Thanks to partnership support, the school was able to introduce the “Tyamkologia” project, enabling students to regularly attend classes, complete homework assignments, and even receive financial incentives from sponsors.
L’Ukrainka – Ottawa’s Ukrainian Library
A significant community project in Ottawa is the establishment of a diverse and well-stocked Ukrainian-language library, filled with books by contemporary and classic Ukrainian authors. The collection also includes translated works of world literature for both children and adults.
This initiative was launched by Lesia Ukrainka Ukrainian School with the support of the Ukrainian Credit Union. The library is open not only to students but also to adults. Anyone can access it by completing a simple registration process on the website.
Books in the collection—whether donated or purchased—are housed at the Ukrainian Credit Union’s Ottawa branch. Individuals can contribute Ukrainian-language books to the library, with both new and gently used books (published after 2000) being accepted.
Book drives are regularly organized in Ukrainian churches, credit unions, and community centres, making it easier for people to donate.
Library registration requires an annual membership fee of CAD 20, which allows readers to borrow two books per month and exchange them for another set upon return.
Lesia Ukrainka Ukrainian School plays a vital role in the Ukrainian community in Ottawa. The school not only provides children with an opportunity to learn the Ukrainian language and culture but also strengthens the unity of the Ukrainian diaspora.
