Visit to the Bosniak Cultural Union of Slovenia under the Peer Learning Grant 2025
In early August, the MTÜ Ukraina Keskus team visited the Bosniak Cultural Union of Slovenia (BCUS) as part of the Peer Learning Grant 2025 (MARIO project). This experience was not only an introduction to an institution with almost three decades of history but also a source of new ideas for developing cultural and educational initiatives in Estonia.
“We saw how long-term dedication, structure, and a genuine desire to preserve one’s culture can build a real bridge between communities,”
— noted representatives of MTÜ Ukraina Keskus.
An organisation with deep roots
Founded in 1997 as a non-profit, BCUS’s mission is to preserve Bosniak cultural identity in Slovenia and represent the community’s interests in public life. Over the years, it has grown into a multifunctional hub uniting seven local NGOs, running educational programmes, organising cultural events, and working with other communities through the EXYUMAK coordination network.
A wide range of activities
BCUS’s work includes:
- literary evenings and poetry readings;
- workshops on traditional crafts;
- publishing print and online magazines;
- advocacy and minority rights protection;
- promoting the Bosniak language and traditions.
Hospitality and inspiration
The visit began with a warm welcome in Ljubljana, where the delegation learned about BCUS’s history, viewed archival materials, and enjoyed traditional Bosniak cuisine. Guests tasted homemade burek, aromatic coffee from a džezva, and sweets that carry the spirit of Bosnia.
“The warmth of the people and their openness to share their experience is something we will carry with us for a long time,”
— said the participants.
We sincerely thank the MARIO project for the trust and support that made this exchange possible — initiatives like this help communities preserve their identity while enriching Europe’s cultural landscape.
Another news
08.12.2025Ukrainian Center selected as one of five Estonian organisations for the international MARIO 2025 project
Read moreLast year, MTÜ Ukraina Keskus was selected as one of five organisations in Estonia working with national minorities to participate in the international MARIO 2025 project. This is a great honour for us, as we are the youngest organisation among all 30 participants from six European countries included in the MARIO 2025 programme. 🇺🇦 Over four days in Brussels, during the MARIO Brussels Exchange & Advocacy Meetings 2025, we represented the Ukrainian community of Estonia at meetings with representatives of key European institutions. 👩💻 Together with colleagues from six countries, we met, learned, and exchanged experiences with representatives of the European Commission, the Council of Europe, the European Parliament, and leading human rights initiatives. It was a great honour to meet and listen to such influential speakers as: 🔹 Pascale Biver – Task Manager, EACEA (European Education and Culture Executive Agency), an executive agency of the European Commission managing EU grant programmes in the fields of education, culture, youth, media, and civil society (including Erasmus+, Creative Europe, and CERV); 🔹 Tanja Florath – Policy Officer, DG JUST, coordinating EU anti-racism policy; 🔹 Jelena Jovanovic – Coordinator of the Anti-Racism and Diversity Intergroup of the European Parliament, shaping the political agenda on equality; 🔹 Neil Clarke – Head of Legal Programmes and EU Advocacy (MRG), who delivered a powerful training on advocacy strategies for minority rights; 🔹 Lucia Demeny – European Women's Lobby, who spoke about the role of women leaders in building an inclusive society. This exchange in Brussels was an invaluable experience — offering networking opportunities and knowledge exchange with leaders and communities shaping modern Europe: equal, diverse, and united in solidarity 🤝🇪🇺. We sincerely thank MRGgroup for the opportunity and the excellent organisation of all events! 🙌
25.08.2025Official Registration of the Ukrainian Folk Hobby School in Pärnu — Pärnu Ukraina Rahva Kool
Read more25.08.2025 — a symbolic and meaningful date marking the birth of a new educational center for the Ukrainian community.
We sincerely thank everyone who helped make this dream come true.
Special gratitude goes to Pärnu linn, as well as Helena Viks, Agnes Sirg, Meeli Waf, Reeli Jantson, and the inspector from the Ministry of Education Triin Hüva, who patiently guided us through all the checks, consultations, and document exchanges.This was a long but very important journey, and now we have reached the main goal:
Ukrainian children in Pärnu will have their own space for development. Here they will be able to:- preserve their native language and culture,
- study and socialize after school,
- integrate successfully into Estonian society.
At the same time, the school will also become a cultural bridge, allowing Estonians to get to know Ukrainian traditions more closely.
📌 Pre-registration for hobby groups is now open!
Fill in the form 👉 forms.gle/8unKJb4vnLxDhJmd7
or write to us: purkparnuukrainarahvuskool@gmail.comOpen free classes will begin in September. We invite everyone to join! 🎨🎶📚
💙💛
Sincerely,
Head of Pärnu Ukrainian Folk School — Viktoria Kuzmenko
23.08.2025Concert in Pärnu: A Celebration of Unity and Warm Hearts
Read moreOn August 23 and 24, Pärnu was filled with incredible energy. Despite the rain, the square was full of smiles, umbrellas, and cheerful spirits. Ukrainians and friends of Ukraine gathered to celebrate our Independence Day, feel unity, and share the warmth of their hearts.
The concert began with a solemn start: first, the Estonian national anthem was performed by Liubov Laur, followed by the Ukrainian national anthem, making hearts beat in unison. The following performances turned the evening into a true musical celebration. Inna Lisnyak sang two a cappella pieces, pure and touching, reaching deep into the hearts of the audience.
The band “El-Shaddai” brought lively energy with two songs full of power and positivity. The Estonian folk ensemble shared the warmth of tradition and melody, while the children’s group “Dzhereltse” offered two bright and joyful numbers, making the audience smile and sing along.
Yulia Korchevna performed the song “Ukraine, Ukraine,” which touched everyone deeply. Lina Barabash, together with Andriy Zamulyanets and a backing track, delivered an emotionally rich performance, and Oksana Nahorna’s rendition of “My Ukraine” reminded everyone of the beauty and strength of our country. Another performance by the Estonian folk ensemble highlighted friendship and mutual support between the two nations. The concert concluded with Petro Kovalevskyi and Liubov Laur harmonizing, creating an atmosphere of true unity and joy.
A particularly touching moment was the children’s performance, which could have been canceled but, thanks to the support of their teacher Liudmyla, became a highlight of the concert. The young performers shone on stage, their voices filling hearts with warmth and inspiration.
We are grateful to everyone who was with us that evening. Thank you to the people of Estonia for your warm hearts and friendship, for your support that inspires us to create new and beautiful things. This evening proved once again: together we are strong, together we are unbreakable. 💙💛
