On Sunday 13 February 2011 at 2pm parents and children came to the Ukrainian Community Centre in South Brisbane to discuss educational/cultural activities for children in our community. What an amazing afternoon!

The president of the Ukrainian Community of Queensland Inc, Mr Stephen Chomyn welcomed all the parents and children to this discussion group and began to speak about the many possibilities available to promote our Ukrainian heritage and how to pass on Ukrainian Traditions to future generations.

Our main objective is to continue to “grow” our community, and one priority is to focus on our youth, as they are the future of our community.

For both: Australian born children and those just arrived from Ukraine.

We have the facilities, and a number of enthusiasts and professionals who are capable and willing to teach.

We are the custodians of the Ukrainian Community Centre and our aim is to involve as many people of Ukrainian heritage in our community.

Our new website has made it possible to communicate with more people.

It is also important for our children to communicate, socialise and to learn with each another.

After much discussion about Ukrainian education and the timing of lessons, the parents agreed to start this Thursday, 17 February 2011 at 5:30pm and to have weekly classes.

The children will be preparing to perform items for the concert to commemorate the Ukrainian Poet Taras Shevchenko. This concert will be held on Sunday 13 March 2011 at the Ukrainian Community Centre, 70 Cordelia Street, South Brisbane.

We plan to provide a range of activities for our children in an organised regular programme. This will include Ukrainian language, art/craft, singing and scouting (PLAST).

We also offer Ukrainian dancing for children on Tuesday afternoons at 5:15pm – 6:15pm.

‘I was so surprised at the level of enthusiasm shown by the parents”….”These parents are looking for Ukrainian education for their kids”… “and we can offer this to them”, said Stephen Chomyn.

We already have eleven (11) children registered to start (5 girls and 6 boys, ranging in ages from 4 to 10 years old). Hopefully, more will join once they hear about this.

We are entering a new and exciting era in our community, and we welcome new families into our community.

Yesterday, eight new adults became members of the Ukrainian Community of Queensland Inc.

As well as retaining our existing membership, our organisation is focused on continuing to build our community, by encouraging newly-arrived families from Ukraine to participate in community life. We are consulting with as many people as possible, and realise the difficulties many face with settling into the Australian “multi-cultural” way of life.

We realise that times are changing, and we are ready to respond to the needs of a modern community, by constantly evaluating the way we operate.

We have some great new initiatives planned for all ages in our community.

If you would like your child to be involved, please come on Thursday at 5:30pm.

You are most welcome!