There is not only the trench for Italian volunteers on the Ukrainian front, the initiative for an Italian school in Kyiv.

We arrive at theŠevčenko University and the class is already waiting for us, some thirty Ukrainian girls from the language course, who are studying Italian and practising it thanks to the contribution of the STUR boys.

The STUR association is a non-profit organisation that carries out activities aimed at supporting, guiding and protecting Italian and non-Italian volunteers who contribute to the right of self-determination of the Ukrainian state and people. They are young people like us who choose to believe in the resistance of Europe from the front line. They operate through various activities: delivery of Italian food to the volunteers, delivery of equipment, psychological support for them and their families, and whatever is needed from time to time. They are now also engaged in this cultural activity.

As the teacher of the Italian class explains , “this is the only opportunity the students have to practise the language with native Italians”, in a meaningful encounter based on dialogue and exchange of experiences. Still ‘a moment of confrontation that strengthens mutual understanding and international cooperation’.

As the STUR association, Polo, the President, explains, ‘organising meetings like this one present several strengths and opportunities for those involved in the project. It shows the students how there are European citizens physically at their side, participating in the defence of the territory and beyond. The initiative shows how there is not only the trench for the STUR students, but that instead it is a reality capable of dialogue and developing initiatives also with academic realities, coming into contact with the new Ukrainian generation in a high-level training course. Last but not least, it creates a space for dialogue where cultural differences meet and confront each other. The students’ questions, which become an opportunity to converse in Italian, are those one can imagine: why did you come to defend Ukraine?

It is equally important for the morale of Italian volunteers to participate in events that foster their integration into the Ukrainian social fabric, to feel appreciated for the work they do in the field, and above all to experience moments of serenity and lightness.

The atmosphere is relaxed, in a context such as the Ukrainian capital where tranquillity has been threatened by the invader, intercultural and interlingual dialogue is the ideal instrument of peace.

From the columns of The Europeanist a proposal for STUR

The Italian community of friends of the Ukrainian cause has shown itself to be very enterprising. There are many boys and girls in Italy who are ready to do something for Ukraine: why not imagine organising this Italian conversation club on a permanent basis? It is a matter of finding a few volunteers, and there is no shortage of those, and organising a calendar with links to remote meetings. This could be a very good idea, we will gladly help you implement it.

It would be a nice way to make another piece of Europe, involving a broader base and supporting even more those who want to learn our language.

I and the editorial staff of L’Europeista thank you for what you do and would gladly help you in this project.