On July 13, 2016 the Canadian Institute of Ukrainian Studies (CIUS) hosted a group of 14 teenagers from Ukraine who are part of the Children for Peace Project, a non-profit organization which supports children (including orphans) of soldiers who fight for Ukraine.
As 2016 marks not only CIUS' 40th Anniversary, but also the 25th Anniversary of Ukraine's Independence and the 125th of Ukrainian Immigration to Canada, staff at CIUS were especially honored to be a part of the Ukrainian youth's first visit to Alberta and Canada.
An energetic atmosphere started off a jam-packed day of activities and sessions showcasing the diversity and vibrancy of the campus. The day-long visit concluded the youth's trip to Alberta, and the day's itinerary included:
-a welcoming session and story from representatives of the Faculty of Native Studies;
-a short tour of CIUS and campus, including the touching story of the trees in front of Pembina hall;
-a visit to the Rutherford Library's newly-renovated Bruce Peel's Special Collections and Archive;
-a session with the International Office where they learned about the various processes of applying and registering for a university, as well as what the U of A has to offer;
-a visit to the extensive special collection of period clothing and textiles housed in the Human Ecology building;
-a wall-climbing session at the Wilson Climbing Centre;
CIUS would like to extend a special thanks to Dorothy Thunder and the Faculty of Native Studies, Vlada Blinova of the Department of Human Ecology, Khadija Jetha and the International Office, and the staff at the Wilson Climbing Centre for helping make the day a success!