A ceremonial award ceremony recognized individuals who boosted Ukrainian education, community support and defense abroad. The event highlighted deep Lithuania–Ukraine ties.
In Vilnius, a solemn ceremony was held to present Verkhovna Rada certificates: the awards were given to individuals whose work has made a significant contribution to supporting the Ukrainian community, education, and Ukraine’s defense capability.
The Ukrainian diplomatic mission documented the event on its Facebook page.
The event took place as part of a visit by the Verkhovna Rada’s Interparliamentary Relations Group. The awards were presented by the co-chairs of the friendship group – MPs Yulia Ovchinnikova and Ihor Guz – with the participation of the head of the Lithuanian Seimas’ Friendship Group, Saulius Lučikas.
A Verkhovna Rada certificate was awarded to Jonas Okhman – founder and head of the organization “Blue/Yellow for Ukraine” – for a significant personal contribution to defending Ukraine’s sovereignty and territorial integrity and for comprehensive support of our state in the fight against Russian aggression.
“Under his leadership, ‘Blue/Yellow’ has been providing systematic aid to the Armed Forces of Ukraine since 2014, uniting thousands of people in Lithuania and implementing large-scale fundraising initiatives to support Ukrainian defenders.”
– as stated in the statement
A Verkhovna Rada certificate was awarded to Olena Vnukovska – the chief executive officer of the International Ukrainian School of Lithuania – for a significant personal contribution to the development of a network of Ukrainian educational institutions abroad, particularly in Lithuania, and for creating conditions in which children displaced from Ukraine can preserve the Ukrainian language, culture, and identity.
The International Ukrainian School of Lithuania has been operating since spring 2022 and is accredited by the Lithuanian Ministry of Education, Science and Sport to carry out educational activities under Ukrainian and Lithuanian programs. Today the school has branches in Vilnius, Klaipėda, Kaunas, Šiauliai, Panevėžys, and also a Saturday school in Lentvaris. Thanks to its work, about 2,500 children have the opportunity to study in Ukrainian, and teachers from Ukraine can continue their professional activities in Lithuania, as noted by the embassy.
This event underscores the importance of close cooperation between Ukraine and the Lithuanian educational community and the support from Lithuanian society in shaping Ukrainian education abroad.
Impact of the event on the development of education and partnership between countries
The awards demonstrate Lithuania’s focus on supporting Ukrainian education abroad and efforts to strengthen defense through civic initiatives. The event also highlights the strong partnership between Ukraine and Lithuania and the active volunteer work for the Ukrainian community.