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FOR
IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
CONTACT:
Patrick W. Ryan
Tennessee World Affairs Council
Tel: 1-615-523-9600
Email: PatRyan@TNwac.org
Web: http://www.TNwac.org
International
Student Briefing Program
Ukraine
- Ms. Maryna Shevchenko - March 28, 2009 - 6:30pm
TN WAC Office, Cookeville
Ukraine Country Profile to be Featured at Saturday World Affairs Reception
Cookeville, TN, March 26, 2009 – It has traces of human settlement activity from at least 4500 BC. It is the largest country in Europe and was one of the continent’s most powerful countries from the 9th to 12th centuries. It has been an historic center of Christianity. It was integrated into the Russian Empire and later became an important republic of the Soviet Union. It was a founding member of the United Nations. It’s rich soil and vast wheat fields earned it the nickname “bread basket of Europe.” It will be the next host of the prestigious European Cup soccer tournament.
It is the country of Ukraine and on Saturday evening the Tennessee World Affairs Council will host a presentation about the history, culture, society, art and food of Ukraine by Tennessee Tech international exchange student Maryna Shevchenko. The event, set for 6:30 p.m. March 28, 2009, is the second in a series of international exchange student briefings sponsored by the Cookeville-based Council.
The country of Ukraine is undiscovered Europe, said Shevchenko, an International Relations student spending this academic year at TTU in the World Cultures in Business Program. “Ukraine will soon be a member of the European Union and is opening itself up more to the outside world.” She added, “I want to share a glimpse of Ukraine with my friends and the people of Cookeville who will come to my presentation. To show them the colorful culture and the beauty of Ukraine.” Shevchenko noted that most Americans associate Ukraine with its history as a part of the Soviet empire but she is quick to point out that her country’s traditions remained strong despite attempts to erase them. She exudes pride in her national heritage and mentions her participation in the 2004-2005 Orange Revolution street protests that successfully restored the rightful winner in a presidential election that had been hijacked. “I want to focus on what it is to be Ukrainian. I want to concentrate on our culture, traditions and the people.” The reward for those who come to the briefing is more than knowledge according to Shevchenko, “We will have food but I will keep the menu a secret so that people will be curious and they will come. I promise it will be tasty.”
The Ukraine briefing and reception are open to the public and there is no charge, but a small donation will be suggested to cover costs. It will be hosted at the Tennessee World Affairs Council office at 31 West First Street in Cookeville. It is recommended you reserve a spot as space is limited and the reception is expected to be popular, according to the Council. Call (615)523-9600 or email: info@TNWAC.org
The Council organized a briefing on the country of Georgia on March 7 and the third in the series, on April 11, will feature Ms. Nargiz Alekberli of TTU talking about her native Azerbaijan. The Tennessee World Affairs Council provides internship opportunities for college students and this semester several international exchange students interning there became interested in sharing information about their homelands with the community according to Council President Patrick Ryan. “We are fortunate to have students from Azerbaijan, Ukraine and Georgia -- all former Soviet republics -- working with us at the Council and it seemed a great opportunity to host a community outreach program for people to learn more about their countries.” He added, “A foreign destination can come alive in your mind when you talk directly with someone from that place rather than just reading about it or watching news on television.”
In addition to the international exchange student country briefings the Council hosts other public events designed to promote interest and understanding of global affairs. On Sunday, March 29, at 6:30 p.m. the Council will welcome the public to a screening of the classic film “The Battle of Algiers.”
The programs are hosted by the Cookeville-based Tennessee World Affairs Council, a non-profit, non-partisan educational organization that seeks to promote global awareness in the community and especially in the schools. Among the Council’s efforts since it was founded in 2007 have been distinguished visiting speakers programs, academic competitions for high school students, teacher workshops, teacher study abroad programs, current affairs briefings and small group discussion programs. The Council which receives no public funding is operated by a small group of volunteers and it invites the public to support its work through memberships, sponsorships and volunteerism. More information is available online at:
www.TNWAC.org
.
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Photo: maryna-shevchenko.jpg
Caption: Ms. Maryna Shevchenko will lead a presentation on her native country Ukraine at a public reception and briefing at the Tennessee World Affairs Council on Saturday evening.
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