On December 2, 2022, the International Institute of Education, Culture and Diaspora Relations, Lviv Polytechnic National University, presented a new textbook on Ukrainian as a foreign language – «Spiimai Skovorodu» (Catch Skovoroda). The author’s team, reviewers and a special guest – Myroslava Gongadze took part in the event which took place online.
The presentation began with a moment of silence in honour of all those who died protecting Ukraine. The moderator of the event, Nazar Danchyshyn, drew parallels between the inspired life of Hryhorii Skovoroda in the 18th century and the indomitability of his symbols in our time, stating that «Despite the fact that for centuries the invaders tried so persistently to appropriate the creative heritage of our philosopher, Skovoroda is indomitable, like Ukraine and its spirit».
Iryna Kliuchkovska, IECDR Director, and one of the co-authors of the publication, addressed the audience with a welcome speech. The speaker emphasized that Moscovites cannot kill or appropriate Skovoroda, his words nourish our people in times of war and encourage them to respect freedom as the highest value. The publication of the textbook is also a form of cultural resistance and struggle for values: «Through the study of the Ukrainian language, we offer young people to walk the paths of Skovoroda. And perhaps this book will encourage them to dive into the philosopher’s world, delve into his thoughts and understand not to look for happiness elsewhere, but inside. Get to know yourself».
We invite all those who wish to pre-order the textbook «Spiimai Skovorodu» to write us to iiec@miok.lviv.ua.