Olena Tsedilina, 28 years old:
“Even before the onset of Russia’s full invasion of Ukraine, I was interested in civic education and identifying effective democratic practices globally. Discovering the work of N.F.S. Grundtvig was transformative and enriched my perspective on education”, says Olena Tsedilina, former student at the International People’s College, “I have long wished to attend a folk high school and explore Danish culture and history. The scholarship program made this possible for me.”
“The time I spent at IPC was extremely inspiring, broadened my horizons and enriched my knowledge base. I gained invaluable friendships, insights, and renewed motivation to make a meaningful contribution to society,” says Olena Tsedilina. “My research into Grundtvig’s teachings and the philosophy of folk high schools has become significantly deeper. During my time at IPC, I developed a project aimed at strengthening democratic activism in Ukraine. I conducted interviews with teachers and students to gain insight into the influence and significance of folk high schools and Danish culture on their lives. I also interviewed a library director about the development of libraries and their central role in the political and social landscape of Denmark, which has paved the way for a new collaboration. I am involved in a grant proposal where libraries will be used to integrate Ukrainian refugees into Danish, Finnish, Estonian, and Latvian communities”.
Olena ends by saying, “My stay has had a profound impact on my life. There are almost no words to express the depth of my gratitude and respect for the generosity and humanity you have shown.”
