Ukrainian Woman in Slovakia Opens a School and Revives a Theater

Unity Among Ukrainians Abroad

According to Міністерство соц. політики: The bond between Ukrainians knows no borders. Following Russia's full-scale invasion of Ukraine, Svitlana Peshteriana-a Ukrainian who had relocated to Slovakia before February 24, 2022-stepped up to assist her compatriots and her homeland. She became a vital link in supporting fellow Ukrainians by coordinating a range of humanitarian efforts.

In the war's early months, Svitlana worked at the border, arranging transportation and shelter for those fleeing the conflict. She also organized the delivery of aid to Ukrainian soldiers, partnering with Slovak and Ukrainian volunteers-a crucial contribution to Ukraine's defense.

Memorial Events and Educational Projects

A particularly significant initiative was the "Angels of Ukraine" memorial campaign, which honors Ukrainian children killed due to Russian aggression. The idea was first conceived by Nataliia Mitsio, and in 2022, Svitlana Peshteriana organized the first "Angels of Ukraine" event in Slovakia. This campaign has since reached nearly 30 cities across 9 countries, highlighting its scale and importance.

Education has been another key focus. Together with Nataliia Chekmeneva, Svitlana Peshteriana launched the first Ukrainian Sunday school in eastern Slovakia, called "Ukrainian Studies," located in Košice. This institution is a verified educational center and receives support from the Ukrainian Embassy in Slovakia. A similar learning space operates in Prešov, reflecting the growing demand for Ukrainian education abroad.

A special part of Svitlana's work involves efforts to restore the Ukrainian youth theater "DUMKA." These initiatives demonstrate that Ukrainians living abroad are not only preserving their culture but also actively supporting one another during these challenging times.

'What can I do for Ukrainians and for Ukraine?' Svitlana Peshteriana

We invite you to share similar stories, as every contribution matters in the fight for Ukraine's freedom and independence.

The work of Svitlana Peshteriana and her team shows how Ukrainians abroad can unite to support their country and its culture. The humanitarian and educational projects they carry out are important not only for Ukrainians but also for strengthening international solidarity with Ukraine during the war. Memorial actions like "Angels of Ukraine" underscore the human cost of the conflict and the need to honor the memory of war victims.