For more than 10 years, former dean of the Faculty of Pedagogy and Psychology, at the moment associate professor of the Department of Psychology and Pedagogy of Preschool Education, Faculty of Historical and Social-Psychological Education of Hryhorii Skovoroda University in Pereiaslav, Olena Borysova heads the international educational project in the field of preschool pedagogy “Ukraine-USA”.

The goal of this project is mutual enrichment of pedagogical experience between our countries, as well as familiarization of American children and educators with Ukraine. During this time, it has already become a real tradition to hold annual Festivals of Ukrainian Culture at the “Gate of Knowledge” kindergarten in Tampa, Florida (USA).

In 2022, the event, which was co-organized and technical partner by Saint Leo University in Florida, was held under the slogan “I wish Ukraine peace!”. It was held on November 8, 2022 with the participation of kindergarten pupils, teachers, administrators and parents – the guests of the holiday were presented with traditional Ukrainian bread. It should be added that the grateful children of the “Gate of Knowledge” kindergarten made bright gifts for the students of the “Golden Key” kindergarten in Pereiaslav.

Due to the organizers, the special guest of the meeting was the singer Bozhena Kravchenko, who performed a number of modern and folk Ukrainian songs. Another honor of the holiday was the dance to the song “Dolechka” performed by our compatriot Sergiy Borisov and his daughter Analia, who – by the way – is a graduate of this very kindergarten. The dance was dedicated to the children of Ukraine who are waiting for their daddies to come home…

After the concert program, children and teachers enjoyed learning Ukrainian dance movements and playing musical games suggested by Olena Oleksandrivna. During the event, a number of charitable contributions totaling $650 were collected. These funds have already been transferred to defenders from the Kyiv region.

Press center of the Department of Psychology and Pedagogy of Preschool Education

Sergiy Borysov is a native of Pereiaslav, graduate from Taras Shevchenko National University of Kyiv. He has been living in the United States for many years. He is a professor of Molecular Biology at Saint Leo University in Florida. Together with his wife, Meghan Borysova, a Ph.D. in Cancer Biology, they are collecting donations to support the residents of Pereiaslav.

During the first month, several thousands were donated to the Pereiaslav Volunteer Unit to provide fuel and medicine for the city’s territorial defense. In May, Sergiy provided 100 complete sets of military uniforms and more than 500 medical supplies (blood thinners, tourniquets, antibiotics, water purifiers, etc.), much of which was sent directly to the combat zone in Sumy Region. Help from Sergiy continues at the moment – defenders are waiting for two thermal imaging cameras and other items of military equipment and uniforms.

“Donations were given by family members, friends, neighbors, our colleagues, and students of Saint Leo University in Florida. During these three months, more than a hundred people made their donations. Among them, Kevin Kreeger, Meghan’s brother, is donating a portion of his salary each month to continue to support Pereiaslav. Sarah Nimon, a director of “Learning Gate” kindergarten in Florida, has also made significant donations. “Learning Gate” has a long10-year academic partnership with the Faculty of Historical and Social-Psychological Education at Hryhorii Skovoroda University in Pereiaslav and the local “Zolotyi kliuchyk” Kindergarten.

Підтримка та інтерес до України не є чимось новим для Сари та працівників дитсадка «Ворота Знань» у Флориді.  Серед багатьох заходів, у 2015 році вони щиро приймали українських воїнів, які проходили стажування у місцевій військовій частині.

Арт Неш, філантроп із Флориди, познайомився із мною під час заходу «Солідарність з Україною», який ми організовували у квітні. Арт зробив щедрий внесок, який покрив 50% усіх витрат на придбання та доставку форми» – додає Сергій Борисов та зазначає, що сьогодні наполеглива волонтерська робота є одним із головних чинників наближення перемоги України.

До слова, багато переяславців знають Сергія Борисовa як виконавця бальних танців на міських заходах. Приміром, це відео може нагадати вам виступ Сергія і Аріани Борисових на зльоті випускників переяславських шкіл у 2018 році.

We are grateful to Sergiy Borysov and all who were involved in the donations for such invaluable cooperation. The victory is ours!

 

Information provided by the Department of International Relations of the University