As part of the initiative of the First Lady Olena Zelenska, a Ukrainian-language audio guide was launched in Finland and Ukrainian bookshelves featuring modern publications and textbooks were opened in the Ottawa Library (Canada), in the EcoSpace school for Ukrainian children of the Ukrainian Association "Unity" (Budapest, Hungary), in the Kerry Library (Tralee, Ireland), in a private innovative international school (Tashkent, Uzbekistan), in the King Matt's Family Education Area at POLIN Museum of the History of Polish Jews (Warsaw, Poland), and in the Municipal Library of Faro (Portugal).
A Ukrainian-language audio guide was launched in the museum of one of Finland's most famous artists, Akseli Gallen-Kallela, in Espoo. The symbolic launch button was pressed by Ambassador of Ukraine Olga Dibrova and Mayor of Espoo Jukka Mäkelä. The opening ceremony was also attended by Ukrainians living in Finland.
"I invite here all Ukrainians in Finland, there are more than 60 thousand of them now. To hear Finnish history in their native language and to see that independence from the empire was not achieved easily by both our nations. But that makes this achievement all the more important and valuable," the First Lady said.
This is the 83rd audio guide of the project in 44 countries.
Also in March and April of this year, Ukrainian bookshelves were opened in libraries in Canada, Ireland, and Portugal, in schools in Hungary and Uzbekistan, and in a museum in Poland. They feature contemporary Ukrainian books and textbooks.
Olena Zelenska thanked the embassies of Ukraine in these countries and all the institutions involved for their assistance, including the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the Ministry of Culture and Information Policy of Ukraine, and the Ukrainian Book Institute.
"As a part of home and culture, Ukrainian books bring development, support and hope to Ukrainians around the world. And knowledge about Ukraine – to everyone who wants to know the truth," the First Lady said.
As part of the project initiated by Olena Zelenska, 190 Ukrainian shelves have already been opened in 47 countries and UNESCO Headquarters.