A meeting on Higher Education in Ukraine

I was asked to speak at a high level meeting on post-secondary education at V. Dahl East Ukrainian National University yesterday afternoon that was attended by senior faculty and high level politicians.  Those of us speaking were told to keep our remarks to 5 minutes.  I tried hard to do so, and didn't exceed the time limit much, if at all.  It was a challenge, though, as Dr. Krsek had to interpret for me.  Not everyone kept their remarks brief, however, and spoke at considerable length.  One politician took up a significant portion of the meeting by talking extensively and then interrupting other speakers and commenting on their remarks.  When he got tired of talking, he just left.  He never heard my remarks, or the remarks of other educators, including a woman works with and advocates for children and youth with physical disabilities.  I thought that was rather inconsiderate of him.

I spoke about the educational rights of students with disabilities in the United States and the supports they receive in order to succeed at universities.  I ended my emphasizing the need for Ukraine to provide access to higher education to all it citizens.

Днепропетровск (Dnipropetrovs’k)

I have recently returned from a short visit to Dnipropetrovs’k where I gave a couple lectures.  Dnipropetrovs'k was once closed to everyone outside the USSR due to the top secret missile defense systems and industry located here. This is a beautiful and interesting city and wish I could have stayed longer. The faculty at the university were highly welcoming and generous. They are also highly committed to providing effective and appropriate services to students with disabilities.

I presented two lectures at Dnipropetrovs’k National University in Dnipropetrovs’k, one on Early Detection of Hearing Loss and the other on Developing Individual Education Plans.  Giving lectures in Ukraine is extremely gratifying, as attendees tend be much more receptive and attentive.  Even my young deaf students at the school for the deaf in Luhans’k are far more respectful and attentive than my high school students in the U.S.  I am going to be spoiled when I return home. 

I also had an opportunity to visit a school for the deaf in Dnipropetrovs'k. The quality of instruction is excellent, and I would say it was just as effective and cutting edge as some of the best private schools for the deaf in the U.S.  I'd be interested in knowing the reading levels and academic achievement of the school's graduates.  I'm also curious about the selection process.  How are children admitted the school, and what are the admission criteria?  I am under the impression it is a public school, so do all children have equal opportunity to attend?

At the conclusion of our visit to the school, I was presented with a gift from the faculty and students.  It is a picture made of glass beads by one of the deaf students.  The photo below does not show just how beautiful it is.  I wish the art had been signed, so it remains anonymous. 

There were two of us lecturing in Dnipropetrovs’k.  The other individual was Dr. Daniel Leitch.  He is a special education professor at the University of Wisconsin in Platteville and is a Fulbright Scholar teaching at Ukrainian Catholic University in Lviv.  His very excellent lectures were Inclusive Practicies in Wisconsin, USA and Transitioning youth from prison to Community.

As I mentioned, the people at were Dnipropetrovs’k National University were extremely welcoming and generous.  After each lecture, our hosts invited us to delightful afternoon teas with delicious food and enlightening conversation.  Of course, there was also the traditonal custom of sharing multiple toasts over cognac. 

A view of the Dnieper River in Dnipropetrovs'k, one of the largest rivers in Europe. 

Dnieper River

Two electric trams passing each other in Dnipropetrovs’k

Another electric tram. These are used
quite extensively in Dnipropetrovs’k.  They
would be beneficial in the U.S., as well.

Memorial to the Unknown Soldier

Memorial to fallen soldiers

Artillery used in the battle for Dnipropetrovs'k during World War II

World War II Soviet Rockets

The first tank to enter Dnipropetrovs'k during the liberation of the
city from the Germans. The driver was killed by a German sniper.

History Museum

Library

National Mining University

A 19th century home built by the founder of Dnepropetrovsk State Agricultural University

Auditorium of the National University

Ancient Stone Figures

Memorial to the Cossacks

Колобок (Kolobok). Kolobok is sitting on the left.
He is a character in a Russian fairy tale - a round
ball of bread dough who comes to life and escapes
from an elderly couple by rolling out of their house. 
He also escapes from a series of animals who
would like to eat him, all except a crafty fox.
The plot is very similar to the stories about
the pancake man and the gingerbread man.

Here is an interesting custom. When a couple gets

married, the bride and groom affix a lock to the

railing of a bridge and throw the key into the river.

Incidentally, the day I took this photo happened

to be International Hug Day, and the woman in the

photo (and a number of other folks) was running

around giving people hugs. She thought I needed one too.

"Anya and Denis"

"Sasha and Sveta"

I was surprised to see this bar in Dnipropetrovs'k. 
Not the most positive aspect of the American
experience for Ukrainians to celebrate.

Kyiv: Day 3

Here are some photos from our third day in Kyiv.  We spent most of the afternoon at St. Sophia Cathedral, which was built very early in the 11th century.  The cathedral was begun by Volodymyr the Great in 1011 and was completed by his son Yaroslav the Wise.  The grounds of the St. Sophia are extensive, and Amy and I were able to visit the belltower, cathedral, Metropolitan's residence, Refectory and bakery.  The interior of St. Sophia is stunning and moving in its ancient splendor.  Photography inside the cathedral is prohibited, but here is an image from the web.  St. Sophia, Kyiv

Amy in Sofievska Square

Amy in Sofievska Square with St. Sophia Cathedral in the background

St. Sophia Cathedral

St. Sophia belltower completed in 1706



View of Sofievska Square from the bell tower





View of St. Michael's from the belltower.



View of St. Sophia from the belltower.

Amy with St. Sophia in the background

Me

Looking down at Amy from the upper level of the belltower.

St. Sophia from Sofievska Square

An art exhibit at St. Sophia. Using 15,000 painted
Easter eggs, artist Oksana Mas recreated a 17th century
icon by Ukrainian painter Ivan Rutkovichby. 

Detail of the above mosaic.

A section of exposed 11th century masonary of the
wall of St. Sophia.  Note the use of Roman style bricks.

Electric Buses. We need more of these in the U.S.

St. Michael's Golden-Domed Cathedral from Sofievska Square

Kyiv: Day 2

Amy and I spent a week together in Kyiv.  Here are a few things we saw on our second day together.





Sofievska Square

Statue of the 17th Century Cossack Leader Bohdan Khmelnyts'ky
with St. Michael's Golden-Domed Cathedral in the background.

Bohdan Khmelnyts'ky

A 19th Century building on Volodymyrs'ka
Street across from the Golden Gate

The Golden Gate. This is a reconstruction of the
original city gate built by Yaroslav the Wise in the
11th century. The new reconstruction is built around
the ruins of the original gate, which can seen inside.



Here is Amy at the Golden Gate





The National Opera House.  Amy enjoyed trying to

read the various operas and composers written in
the Cyrillic alphabet.  She did well, for a beginner.



The National Opera House