A cultural and educational programme entitled ‘Language Race’, dedicated to Ukrainian Literacy and Language Day, took place in Kyiv. The event brought together over 50 residents of Donetsk, who formed creative teams and competed to demonstrate their knowledge of the Ukrainian language. The venue for the gathering was Mariupol State University, home to the Centre for the Preservation of Identity in Temporarily Occupied Territories.
The programme was organised by the Donetsk Regional Educational and Methodological Centre for Culture, with the support of the Donetsk Regional State Administration. The teams faced interactive tasks, language challenges and educational competitions.
The participants demonstrated their knowledge of the Ukrainian language, creativity and quick wits. A creative task attracted particular attention, as it allowed them to reveal the beauty, richness and uniqueness of their native language. There was no shortage of local colour either: the teams recalled words characteristic of the Donetsk region, such as ‘tormozok’, ‘vagany’ and ‘ceberka’. Participants also identified correct stresses, corrected lexical errors, completed proverbs and answered questions on history.
The ‘Language Race’ was not only an opportunity to test their knowledge, but also a chance to experience a sense of unity centred on the Ukrainian language – an integral part of our national identity.
Special words of gratitude go to our defenders, who for the fifth year running have been fighting for Ukraine’s independence, our freedom and our right to be Ukrainians. It is thanks to their courage that we are able to celebrate Ukrainian Writing and Language Day, preserve our native language and promote Ukrainian culture.
This event was made possible thanks to the collaboration between the Donetsk Regional State Administration and Mariupol State University. We would also like to thank the Center for the Preservation of Identity in the Temporarily Occupied Territories for its assistance in implementing this initiative, as well as community representatives and all concerned residents of Donetsk who support the preservation of the Ukrainian language and cultural heritage.
Despite air raid alerts and power cuts, the ‘Language Race’ went ahead, providing participants with new knowledge, vivid experiences and a sense of community. After all, the Ukrainian language is our cultural heritage, our identity and a force that unites us even from a distance.