Each year on September 1st, Ukrainian primary schools celebrate “the day of knowledge.” A soviet tradition, it is still honored and celebrated by school children. At public schools, the day is filled with traditional entertainment focusing on presentation and performance. Later in the day, children meet their teachers and present them with flowers. At a private school we visited, the agenda was less formal, more relaxed, and geared towards the children’s entertainment.
Goblins?
I was convinced that these two creatures emerged onto the scene in a bid to terrify the unwitting students. Perhaps afterwards, the teachers would utilize them as a threat against misbehaving. It turns out they are from a popular Ukrainian cartoon and the children should, theoretically, enjoy their presence. I am still skeptical.
National Anthem
The children stand for their national anthem. Most felt the dignified emotion of the music while others were not so impressed.
The Big Wait
The youngest children filed in and took their seats. An anxious moment followed. The children fidgeted and searched the hall for their parents as the noise of the shuffling crowd rumbled through the hall.
Poetry
The children cautiously made their way across the long no man’s land to the microphones. Standing together, they mustered the strength for a riveting performance a children’s poem. The meaning was lost on the DNK team’s non-Russian speakers.
The Local Boys
The trio delivered a strong performance, perhaps it is only the beginning.
The Viennese Waltz
From the balcony we could see the nervous pair practicing their steps in a corridor off the main hall. Eventually, after much waiting, they executed their routine flawlessly.
And School Begins
After the poems, the songs, and the dances, the parents left and the children filed into their classrooms. Each child held a bouquet of flowers to be presented to their instructor.
Still Smiling
It was Saturday. They were dressed up and at school. Just about everything a kid hates, but with their balloons in tow they still smiled and enjoyed the excitement of the big day.
The Other Option
The private school celebration was much different than that of the public school. The experience here was geared towards the children’s enjoyment and ignored the ritual and formality of a more traditional event.
Text by by Michael Duane, USA
Photos by Pierre Jeanmougin, France
