On May 18-19, 2025, Kyiv hosted the final of the XXV All-Ukrainian Competition of Research and Creative Works “History and Lessons of the Holocaust” named after I. B. Medvynsky.
The event was organized by the Ukrainian Center for Holocaust Studies and aimed at deepening students' knowledge of the tragedies of the twentieth century - the Holocaust and other genocides - as well as at building research skills, developing critical thinking, and fostering tolerance and respect for human rights.
In the 2024-2025 academic year, more than 80 students from different regions of Ukraine took part in the competition. Among the winners is Bianka Chala, a representative of Donetsk Oblast, an 8th grade student of Bilytsia Secondary School No. 10 of the Dobropillya City Council, who took second place.
Lilia Denisova, a history teacher at the same school, was the supervisor of the work. Thanks to the joint hard work of the student and her mentor, she managed to represent Donetsk region at the national level.
This year's competition works were devoted not only to historical facts, but also to little-known testimonies, documents and fates of genocide victims, which makes it possible to bring new, sometimes forgotten pages of history into scientific circulation. The event is also an important element of combating xenophobia and anti-Semitism, which helps to teach young people responsibility, humanity, and dignity.
We sincerely congratulate Bianca Chala and Liliia Denysova on their well-deserved recognition! We wish you further scientific success, inspiration and new victories!