With the support of USAID RADA: Next Generation Program and its partners (American Councils for International Education and the Agency of Education Policy Development), the Educational Center of the Verkhovna Rada of Ukraine conducted the first international parliamentary lesson "Ukraine and Poland: in solidarity together," in which thousands of Ukrainian and Polish students, as well as the Verkhovna Rada and the Sejm MPs took part.
The event was dedicated to Poland's Independence Day, celebrated every year on November 11. Schoolchildren were told about Poland's national liberation struggle and joint aspirations with Ukraine to get freedom from occupation pressure and to strengthen democracy and parliamentarism.
Participants took part in a quiz, addressed questions to guests, and joined an active discussion on Ukrainian-Polish relations and its joint European future.
Olena Kondratiuk, the Deputy Speaker of the Verkhovna Rada of Ukraine, was the event's special guest. She emphasized that Ukraine will never forget Poland’s powerful financial and military support, as well as its aid, provided for Ukrainian refugees: "We see the restoration of the unbreakable Ukrainian-Polish union. Its goal is to stand together against the russian aggressor and to renew peace and security in Europe."
The Polish side was presented by the member of Poland's Parliament (the Sejm) Lidia Burzhynska, who wished Ukraine a fast victory and recovery. In her opinion, international parliamentary lessons strengthen relations between the two countries. Such lessons encourage the young generation to understand the value of freedom and democracy and teach them to take responsibility for their decisions. She believes that the guidelines for future Ukrainian and Polish politicians should be "honesty, love, brotherhood, and attention to every human being."