ACTIVITY OF THE DEPARTMENT OF «PROSVITA» SOCIETY IN DROHOBYCH (1921–1939)

Abstract

The article describes the process of restoration of the activity and functioning of Drohobych department of «Prosvita» in the interwar period as well as their leadership. It has been established that the department was working in difficult conditions, when the Ukrainians of Galicia were under the Polish control. The government authorities and local police created artificial obstacles in the activity of the branch in order to weaken the educational movement. The author notes negative influence of the left political parties on educational activity and statest that the leadership of the «Prosvita» department was responsible for selecting candidates for the office of the Chancellor, creating reading rooms in Drohobych district and controlling their activities. The Drohobych department organized popular training courses in general education and courses for self-educating societies, improved forms and methods of educational activity. All this contributed to the formation of a national dignity among the citizens, a desire for education and self-assertion. We have researched the peculiarities of celebrating the anniversaries and national holidays of the society in forming the national consciousness of Ukrainians, the efforts of the department to attract great number of members to participate in the events, which served as an important component of the consolidation of society. It has been established that department of «Prosvita» in Drohobych was united with other Ukrainian institutions for the organization of educational work and celebrations, which required considerable moral effort and material resources. The department of Prosvita Society has been proved to have occupied a prominent place playing a leading role in the cultural and educational life of the region and the realization of the national aspirations of the Ukrainian people.