Cooperation of Ukrainian and Canadian Educationalists in the Context of Ukrainian Schooling Development in Canada (End of the XX – Beginning of the XXI century)

Abstract

The article analyzes the historical and pedagogical development and modern state of Ukrainian and Canadian educationalists’ cooperation at the end of XX and the beginning of XXI century. It highlights different socio-cultural determinants and aspects of evolution of their interaction, the ways of improving of Ukrainian-language studies in Canada and Ukraine today.

Cultural development of Ukrainian Canadians, their efforts in preserving their national identity becoming an example of success for other ethnic groups in North America primarily through higher-quality educational system and diversified activities of the Ukrainian community in Canada are reflected.

Efforts and attempts of Ukrainian-Canadian educationalists resulted in high quality Ukrainian-language learning programs and methodology that are due to the cooperation of talented scientific and practical educational staff applying new innovative technologies. Since national self-identification is realized through the native language (mother tongue) its learning and practical using by the Ukrainian community in Canada for more than 100 years was the very challenge but due to the Ukrainian Diaspora activities and federal government support it is in Canada where Ukrainian-language studies are realized in the mast effective way.

The author considers schooling to be an important factor of Ukrainian Diaspora self-identification and activities in Canada that promotes forming and maintaining national identity of new generations of Ukrainians abroad as an integral part of active Ukrainians worldwide and emphasizes the prospective of the positive experience of multicultural education in Canada, their implementation into poly-cultural nations' education systems and the importance of further development of educational cooperation with Ukraine.

Key words: Ukrainian-language Studies, Canadian Multiculturalism, Bilingual Programs, Canadian Ukrainian Language, Ukrainian Diaspora.