On February 26, the Center for Educational Technologies at Vasyl Stefanyk Precarpathian National University hosted a literary brunch dedicated to the birthday of Lesia Ukrainka. The event brought together university faculty, students, high school pupils from Ivano-Frankivsk, university researchers, and members of the local community. The moderator of the event was Halyna Voloshchuk, PhD in Philology, Associate Professor at the Department of Philology of the Kolomyia Educational and Scientific Institute, and Director of the Educational and Scientific Center for Professional Career and Lifelong Learning.
The theme of the meeting—”Those who have not lived through the storm do not know the price of strength”—perfectly reflects the indomitable spirit of the renowned Ukrainian poetess.
“If we look at the current circumstances in which Ukraine is fighting against the Russian aggressor, even in these difficult times, when yesterday’s allies are beginning to change their stance on support, I recall Lesia Ukrainka’s words: ‘Those who liberate themselves will be free, those who liberate others will take them into bondage.’ These words are profound and more relevant today than ever. As a nation, we strive to achieve our freedom on our own, to experience true independence and dignity. We are not asking to be liberated—we are fighting for our future, for our land, for our right to be free. I sincerely thank each and every one of you! Thank you for being here today, for being in Ukraine, for being part of this struggle in your own way. You are Ukrainians with great hearts, who see the future of our country and want Ukraine to be strong, independent, and truly free!” said Acting Rector of PNU, Ihor Tsependa.
Students from the Educational and Scientific Institute of Arts, the Faculty of Pedagogy, and the Faculty of Philology prepared artistic performances that created a special atmosphere for the event. Poetry, music, and artistic interpretations of Lesia Ukrainka’s works resonated throughout the gathering.
Equally engaging were the presentations by students from the Faculty of Foreign Languages, the Faculty of Mathematics and Informatics, the Faculty of History, Political Science and International Relations, as well as the Kolomyia Educational and Scientific Institute. They shared little-known facts about the poetess’s life and invited everyone to participate in a quiz testing their knowledge of Lesia Ukrainka’s creative path.
A special contribution to the event was made by high school students from Ivano-Frankivsk, who presented a video filmed on the streets of the city. In it, residents answered questions about Lesia Ukrainka’s life and works. This became a kind of social experiment, demonstrating the importance of preserving cultural memory.
The literary brunch concluded in a warm and relaxed atmosphere—with cups of coffee and friendly discussions about the power of words, art, and the enduring spirit of Lesia Ukrainka.
