A representative of the Faculty of Pedagogy at Kherson State University actively participates in the Ukrainian community in Franeker, Netherlands.
Associate Professor of the Faculty of Pedagogy, Alla Vladimirova, actively supports the Ukrainian community in the Netherlands – she sings Ukrainian songs with children, organizes cultural and art activities, and introduces everyone to the opportunities offered by the Faculty of Pedagogy at Kherson State University. Thanks to her work, the Ukrainian language and culture remain alive even far from home.
The Netherlands has become a refuge for thousands of Ukrainian families who were forced to leave Ukraine due to the full-scale war. Despite integrating into the educational system of their host country, many Ukrainians remain concerned about maintaining their children’s connection to the Ukrainian language, culture, and national education. Every Sunday in the city of Franeker, under the Ukrainian flag and in the premises of the “De Mouterij” church, the Ukrainian community gathers with the participation of Ukrainian and Dutch volunteers.
During these events, Ukrainian songs are performed, children take part in arts and crafts activities, and adults discuss Ukraine’s future and educational opportunities for their children. Renowned musicians, ensembles, and choirs from the Netherlands also join the events. Notably, Alla actively participates in these gatherings. She not only introduces visitors to the educational programs of Kherson State University (KSU) but also takes an active role in the community’s cultural life: singing Ukrainian songs with children and adults, creating a warm atmosphere of unity and support, and helping preserve national identity and spiritual ties to their homeland. Her involvement combines both educational and cultural missions, demonstrating that Ukrainian education and culture can thrive even abroad.
During one of these meetings, Alla Vladimirova, Candidate of Pedagogical Sciences and Associate Professor of the Department of Pedagogy, presented the activities of Kherson State University, particularly the Faculty of Pedagogy. In her speech, she emphasized that despite occupation and forced relocation, KSU continues to operate fully and provide high-quality training for specialists. Applicants abroad, including in the Netherlands, have the opportunity to obtain a Ukrainian state-recognized diploma, internationally recognized, and gain a profession that will be essential for post-war reconstruction.
The faculty’s educational programs are adapted to distance and blended learning. The educational process uses modern digital platforms, allowing students to combine studies at foreign institutions with learning at KSU. Areas of study include “Primary Education,” “Preschool Education,” “Special Education”. Ukrainian education remains an important factor in preserving national identity and ensuring the country’s future development.