The Ukrainian Centre in Lithuania has hosted over 4,300 events for adults and children. First Lady of Ukraine Olena Zelenska shared this in a video address marking the third anniversary of the Centre’s establishment.
The President’s wife thanked everyone involved in launching and running the Centre.
“It’s quite easy to help once. It’s much harder to keep helping over time, without asking how much longer it will take. It’s easy enough to show hospitality once. But it’s far more difficult – and more mature – to open your heart for the long haul, without asking when it will end. That is exactly how Lithuania is acting: consistently, selflessly, systematically, and reliably – from the first day of Russia’s invasion to this day,” the First Lady noted.
The Ukrainian Centre is the first cultural and educational space in an EU country created at the initiative of the First Ladies of Ukraine and Lithuania in June 2022. It daily hosts language courses, informal learning, cultural and sports activities. Each summer, it also runs a children’s camp. More than two-thirds of all activities are organized by Ukrainians themselves.
“There is no other Centre like it – one patronized at the state level by both countries. There is no other Centre that offers so many opportunities to Ukrainians – with no expiration date, no conditions, and no limitations,” said Olena Zelenska.
The Centre also showcases Ukrainian projects and creative groups at fairs, festivals, concerts, and art events. It regularly hosts international events as well.