Ukrainian Center in Pärnu Turns 1! 🎉
This year has been an important and eventful one for the Ukrainian Center in Pärnu. Over the past 12 months, it has become a hub for support, cultural exchange, and integration for Ukrainians who found themselves in Estonia. The Center has become a place where people find understanding, receive assistance, and feel part of a new community.
Throughout the year, we organized cultural events, excursions, celebrations, and language courses, which not only helped participants better understand Estonian traditions but also preserved Ukrainian identity. Psychological support has also been a vital part of our work, helping many families and individuals overcome the challenges of adaptation.
One of the year's most significant achievements has been the launch of a new website, ukrainakeskus.ee, which now provides up-to-date information about the Center's activities, upcoming events, programs, and services. This platform has become a convenient tool for those seeking support or wanting to join our initiatives.
We are proud that the Center has not only been a place of assistance but also a platform for cultural dialogue, where Ukrainians and Estonians interact, share traditions, and create something new together.
We are grateful to all partners, volunteers, and participants who have been with us throughout this year. Your support and active involvement have enabled us to achieve these successes. There is still much work ahead, and we are confident that, together with you, we can implement even more projects to support and integrate Ukrainians in Pärnu and Estonia as a whole. Follow our updates on the website and join our events. Together, we can do more! 💙💛
Another news
19.04.2025Easter in Pärnu: Songs, Children, and the Warmth of the Ukrainian Spirit
Read moreOn April 19, 2025, the Ukrainian Center in Pärnu became a vibrant hub of Easter joy, warmth, and unity. Spring light poured in alongside kind smiles, warm embraces, and children’s laughter. This year’s celebration felt deeply meaningful — every word and gesture reflected love for tradition and a heartfelt desire to be together, even far from home.
A special highlight of the day was the performance by the musical group Dzherelo and the children’s ensemble Dzhereltse. Their songs — tender, sincere, deeply Ukrainian — touched the hearts of all who listened. The children sang with warmth and belief, bringing smiles and hope to every face. Dzherelo offered strength and dignity through music that carried the weight of memory and resilience.
The celebration brought people together — children painted Easter eggs with joy, sharing colors and laughter. Adults supported, photographed, and connected. The heartfelt atmosphere showed clearly: the Ukrainian community in Pärnu is alive, strong, and united.
📸 See the full photo gallery here
13.03.2025Ukrainian Center Attended the Presentation of the Book "Lihtne eesti keel" by Helena Metslang
Read moreOn March 13, 2025, representatives of the Ukrainian Center in Pärnu attended the presentation of the book Lihtne eesti keel by Helena Metslang. The event, dedicated to the concept of "simplified Estonian language," took place in a welcoming atmosphere and attracted a diverse audience, including linguists, educators, students, and anyone interested in learning Estonian as a foreign language.
Key Topics of the Presentation
The author, Helena Metslang, provided a detailed explanation of why standard language programs designed for native speakers can be challenging for foreign learners. She emphasized the importance of using "simplified language" (lihtne keel), which enhances comprehension and accelerates the acquisition of new vocabulary and grammar.
During the presentation, the following topics were discussed:
- The experiences of foreigners learning Estonian and the main challenges they face;
- The fundamental principles of "simplified language" and its scientific justification;
- Practical methods for adapting educational programs for language students;
- The use of technology and artificial intelligence for automatic text simplification.
Why Is Lihtne eesti keel Important?
One of the central ideas of the event was that complex language can slow down the learning process, create cognitive overload, and decrease students' motivation. For this reason, the author proposes a methodology for adapting texts and educational materials to make them more accessible without losing essential meaning.
Significant attention was also given to the integrative function of "simplified language"—it not only benefits foreign students but also supports individuals with special needs who may struggle with understanding complex texts. This approach fosters greater social inclusion and improves access to information.
The Ukrainian Center in Pärnu expresses gratitude to the event organizers and highlights the importance of such initiatives for those learning Estonian. We firmly believe that the knowledge gained will be beneficial for Ukrainian-speaking residents integrating into Estonian society and striving to master the local language more effectively.
We are already exploring the possibility of incorporating "simplified language" principles into our own language courses and adapting educational materials based on Helena Metslang’s methodology.
Conclusion
The presentation of the book Lihtne eesti keel was a significant event for everyone involved in language education and integration. The methodology of language simplification not only facilitates learning but also fosters a deeper understanding of Estonia’s culture and society. The Ukrainian Center in Pärnu highly values Helena Metslang’s contribution to language education and looks forward to further research and the implementation of similar approaches in practice.
09.03.2025Spring in Our Hands: A Women's Day Workshop at the Ukrainian Centre
Read moreOn March 9th, the Ukrainian Centre in Pärnu blossomed with the scent of fresh flowers, warm smiles, and a deep sense of feminine connection. Just a day after International Women’s Day, the space hosted an emotional and inspiring workshop, uniting women through beauty, creativity, and the gentle spirit of spring.
At the heart of the event was the creation of personal flower bouquets — a chance to step into the role of a florist and design an arrangement reflecting each woman’s inner world. It became a meditative journey of expressing feelings, memories, and hope through petals.
Each bouquet stood as a quiet portrait of its maker. Surrounded by warmth and encouragement, it wasn’t just flowers that bloomed — spring came alive in their hearts.
More photos from the event can be viewed on the official website of the Ukrainian Centre in the Gallery