The following interview is re-printed from the Centre for Ukrainian Canadian Studies newsletter with the express permission of the CUCS and Alexandra Kozelkoherself.
Alexandra Kozelko is a student in the Joint Master’s Program in Peace and Conflict Studies at the University of Manitoba. As a Ukrainian Canadian, she has a life-long awareness and affinity to her Ukrainian roots on both sides of her family. We reached out to Alexandra to ask her about her upcoming research in Ukraine, a trip planned to coincide with her own first visit to Ukraine. Alexandra is supported in her work by advisory committee members from both Canada and Ukraine. Following is our “interview” with Alexandra.
1. Can you please tell us more about the research you plan to do in Ukraine and what your hopes are connected to the work?
My research will examine the impact of the current conflict on young people (defined as those aged 18-35) in Lviv, Ukraine. This topic remains under researched and I hope that this project will contribute to the literature on this topic. I will use Participatory Research (PR) methods and tools to engage the research participants. Rather than emphasizing divisions based on identity and nationalism that have divided Ukrainians for centuries and that have contributed to the current conflict, engaging in research with young people in Lviv serves to unite future generations by bringing young people together. Those who take part in PR projects often become motivated to take action in their communities and generate positive social change and build peace. Participants will have the opportunity to identify needs and concerns, their hopes and aspirations for Ukraine’s future as a united and peaceful nation, and to promote peacebuilding in their communities. I hope that by participating in this project, participants will be inspired to continue this work together at the grassroots level, further realizing their potential as peacebuilders to help bring a long-lasting, positive peace to Ukraine.
2. What drew you to the topic?
As a young, Ukrainian-Canadian woman, I have been immersed in Ukrainian language and culture since birth and this research is of personal significance to me. My family came to Canada during various waves of immigration, fleeing war and persecution in search of a better life. I have been involved in the Ukrainian community in Winnipeg, Canada since I was a young child and continue to be involved today. Facilitating this research project will provide me with an opportunity to explore my ancestry, learn more about Ukraine’s people and culture, build relationships, and support young people in their work towards peace in Ukraine.
3. What, if any, can you imagine will be challenges to you fulfilling this work?
Right now, the main challenge is the actual travel to Ukraine which is dependent on what happens with the Covid-19 pandemic and how it will continue to affect international travel and for how long. There are also some unknowns as I am not in Lviv and must be prepared to deal with many things that cannot be confirmed in advance.
4. What usually helps you get through hard times? How do you imagine you will deal with challenges?
Whenever I am facing hard times in my life, I turn to my family and friends for support. My family, both immediate and extended, has been instrumental in supporting me whenever I face challenges in my life and encourages me to follow my head and my heart when I’m faced with difficult decisions. My friends have also been supportive and they know how connected I am to my Ukrainian roots and how much I am looking forward to going to Ukraine, meeting people, and further exploring my cultural heritage. As a person who is optimistic, hopeful, and a firm believer in education, social justice, and the importance of dialogue and collaboration, I continue to remain optimistic about the power of young people to change the world they live in. This attitude will guide my approach to this project and help me deal with any challenges that may arise.
5. What kinds of supports do you have in place to help you along your process?
I have had the opportunity to “meet” my Ukrainian committee members who will be there to greet me on the ground in Lviv and support me throughout the research process. I also plan to keep in close contact with my advisor, Dr. Maureen Flaherty, and my family and friends while I travel. I hope to keep a blog and/or journal about conducting this research as a way to reflect on my experience throughout the process.
6. Besides doing the research itself, do you have any other plans for your visit to Ukraine?
I plan to spend at least a month in Ukraine. I intend to explore some other areas in Ukraine including Kyiv, Odessa, and do some traveling in the Karpaty (Carpathian Mountains). I will also visit the villages where my family is from in the Lviv, Ivano-Frankivsk, and Ternopil oblasts, including my Dido Sam’s selo (village) that is now just over the border in Poland near Lubaczow.
7. Is there anything else you would like to share with us at this time?
I think it is very important, especially in these challenging times, that we remember that the conflict in Ukraine has been going on for the past six years and that it continues to affect Ukrainians’ lives every day. Despite the fact that interest in the conflict from international actors, the media, and others may have dwindled, the conflict has not ended and peace (either negative or positive) is not the reality Ukrainians experience on a daily basis. The voices of young people and their lived experiences during the conflict must be heardand acknowledged in peacebuilding efforts as they are the future of Ukraine.I hope that conducting this research project will encourage future initiatives (research or peacebuilding) that consider the impact of this conflict on young people in Ukraine.
