Halifax Opens Ukrainian School to Preserve Language and Culture
Halifax has officially opened a Ukrainian school aimed at preserving Ukrainian language and culture for children of displaced families, providing a vital community hub amid ongoing conflict in Ukraine.
Halifax marked the grand opening of its Ukrainian school on Saturday, September 13, 2025, an initiative designed to help preserve the Ukrainian language, traditions, and cultural identity among children of displaced families. The school, which originally began operating in April, has expanded its offerings and now serves students from 90 different Ukrainian families across Nova Scotia, meeting every Saturday for four hours.
A Community Response to Displacement
The majority of the school's students are children whose families arrived in Canada under the Canadian Ukrainian Authorization for Emergency Travel visa, fleeing the ongoing war in Ukraine. School principal Lena Kuk explained that "due to war, a lot of Ukrainians were displaced and need to run from their home country. So they landed here and started the new life. But kids still remember Ukrainian school, Ukrainian language and they want to continue and maintain." The school provides not only language instruction but also classes in arts, crafts, and theatrical arts, supported by local sponsors and a grant of approximately $8,000 from the Canada Ukrainian Foundation.
Preserving Identity and Building Connections
Leaders from the Ukrainian Canadian Congress Nova Scotia branch emphasized the importance of the school in helping children "practice and learn more about their Ukrainian lineage." The president noted, "They need to keep and remember who they are. So they need to learn their language. They need to learn their culture and history and to not forget how strong and independent they are." Parents echoed this sentiment, with one mother expressing gratitude that her daughters can "be in that environment, interact with Ukrainian children and learn something about our beautiful nation."
A Hub for Hope and Heritage
The school is seen as more than just an educational institution; it is a place where displaced Ukrainians can unite, maintain a sense of community, and support each other through the challenges of resettlement. Students receive books directly from Ukraine, ensuring authentic language and cultural education. The initiative is widely viewed as a crucial step in helping Ukrainian children retain their heritage while adapting to life in Canada, with the hope that they will one day be able to reconnect with family and friends in Ukraine after the conflict ends.