Probably the last thing I expected...

...when I came to Buenos Aires was to receive a diploma, for completing a Ukrainian language course!

It was explained that the Ukrainian language school of the "PROSVITA" club is not an academic institution but, above all, a Ukrainian cultural centre, "to instill interest and love for Ukraine," which made me feel more deserving, given that I only completed 3 classes. Now it's the end of the year and the summer holiday.

I'm very grateful to our teacher, Violetta, for the opportunity to attend this class and for her dedication to teaching Ukrainian - we even had an extra lesson before the presentations, as I had missed so much. And she gave us little presents. (Mine is below.)

Our small group was very interesting, with diverse Ukrainian heritage. I discovered that Violetta lived in Odesa before moving to Argentina. It was also a lot of fun, with much cake eaten! As previously in Ukraine, it's an honour to be so readily accepted and welcomed.

It was very moving to hear the Ukrainian national anthem (following the stirring Argentinian anthem), sung so beautifully...there are some wonderful voices in this group.

A lot of people were wearing vyshyvankas, the embroidered shirts that are the Ukrainian national costume. One of the awards presented was to a class who, because of the time difference, started their online lessons at 6am, learning how to make vyshyvankas.

Meanwhile, in Ukraine, there are frequent missile attacks across the country and the Russian army continues to bombard civilian populations close to the frontline.
Suspilne online news reports that the Russian military shelled the Kherson region 76 times on 2 December. Shelling continues at night. There are daily injuries and deaths, and damage to schools, medical facilities and humanitarian aid centres. The main children's library in Kherson was also destroyed. Education is exclusively online.
The report in Suspilne notes that artillery and multiple launch rocket systems are used, but also heavy air bombs, and, when they hit houses, there is very little chance of survival.

As if this is not enough, a severe snowstorm last weekend caused several deaths and electricity blackouts. Odesa region was particularly badly hit.

Notwithstanding, I know that our friends in Ukraine will say that their spirit and determination, to resist the Russian invaders and anything else, remains undiminished.

Слава Україні!

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