The creators of Ukrainian schooling in the post war Poland of the 20th century

Abstract

The article deals with thе асtivities of the Ukrainian origin representatives working in cultural and educational organizations in Poland in the second half of the 20th century. Schooling is reguarded as the basis for the preservation of Ukrainian spiritual life under the conditions of multicultural environment. The achievements of Ukrainian teachers and scholars, members of Ukrainian community centers and their contribution to the development of Ukrainian schooling is outlined. With this aim the methods of specific research, analysis, systematization as well as biographical have been used. The work of key public figures, scholars of Ukrainian origin resulted in the systemic character of Ukrainian schools on the territory of the Polish State. It was a step-by-step process in the situation worsened by the postwar social and political conditions in which the active part of the Ukrainian community was under the threat of persecutions and repressions due to the lack of juridicial regulations concerning the minorities’ status. The creation of the network of Ukrainian schooling centers is linked to the foundation of the Ukrainian Social and Cultural Society. Its most active members with their multi-faceted efforts enabled the transition from Ukrainian language study groups to classes and further on to the complexes of Ukrainian schools. Special attention is paid to the role of Ya. Hrytskovian in the process of Ukrainian schooling system development as the founder of the Ukrainian Teachers’ Society. The facts of the life and career growth of other representatives of Ukrainian community in Poland are considered: M. Shumada, O. Kolianchuk, M. Kozak, M. Trukchan. It has been concluded that their efforts resulted in providing education for children of the Ukrainian minority, in realizing their right to cherish the cultural traditions, learn their native language, preserve family customs and practices as well as their national identity in foreign language environment.