School helps Ukrainian children learn heritage

Children from a displaced community are learning about their culture and identity at a Sunday school with a difference in Malvern.

The Ukrainian children, who were born in England, play football before they go to afternoon classes to learn about the country their families are from.

Organiser Natalia Kuchmak, who fled the war in Ukraine, co-founded the Talented Ukrainian Children in Malvern school.

At last Sunday's match, she said: "It's good weather, it's a very good feeling, it's a very good sport. After three o clock, we'll start school in Ukrainian geography and history, with free lessons and Ukrainian food."

She said the football kept children active and helped bring the community together to learn about their heritage.

Vita Piddubna, a history teacher and parent, explained why it was important and said: "Our children have to know their motherland and the history of Ukraine.

"They have to know their language, their Ukrainian literature, famous poets, writers.

"It is very important for us."

One girl taking part, Karolina, 10, said: "We've got war in our country right now and we've moved to a different one. Now we have a different language.

"It can be quite frustrating and it's very important to just have a little part of yourself and learn all about the different things in Ukraine."

One of the boys, Vova, 12, said it was "really good for communication", and another girl, Polina, 11, said she enjoyed speaking Ukrainian and doing work that was not in English.

About 50 children are learning literature, art, music, dance, geography and history at the Sunday school, which is part of the Malvern branch of the Association of Ukrainians in Great Britain.

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