Ukraine

Home of the first modern democracy, Ukraine is a country rich in history from family values to arts and literature.   With a natural penchant for creative outlets, the field of sports is just as revered as the field of fine arts.  Deeply rooted in Christianity, the people of Ukraine possess virtues and traditional values that emphasize the importance of family and education.   Ukrainian au pairs, with their naturally polite and cultured essence, are the perfect addition to homes seeking a devoted caregiver for their children.

Family Values

Present day Ukrainian families have switched focus from the extended family to the small, nuclear family consisting of parents and children.  However, traditional family values still prevail.  Ukrainian families highlight the values of maintaining strong familial ties and work ethic.  Children are raised to balance and appreciate the significance of love, respect, efficiency and professionalism.  Our Ukrainian au pairs superbly display this balance in their everyday duties as loving caregiver to the children.

Education

The value of education in Ukraine is evident in the country’s efforts to grant all students access to free education.  As a result, Ukraine boasts a 99.4 percent literacy rate.   Upon exiting secondary education, the students take exit exams which are also used for university admissions.  In addition, the organizational structure for higher education in Ukraine is in accordance with, and defined by, UNESCO and the United Nations.  The lessons a student learns through a solid educational background provide the basis for a successful and fulfilling personal and professional future.

Art and Literature

Perhaps Ukraine’s most appealing peculiarity is that the country’s most venerated hero is poet and painter Tara Hryhorovych Shevchenk.  His first collection of Ukrainian poems was hailed a work of genius by both Ukrainian and Russian critics.  As a painter, his most noteworthy paintings depicted life in the countryside or historical events that are sympathetic to the Ukrainian people and critical of their oppressors.  Though strictly forbidden to write and sketch under Tsar Nicholas I, Shevchenko managed to write and paint clandestinely.   Ukrainian art and literature is still held in the highest esteem and continues to flourish to this day.

Sports

The field of sports is highly celebrated in Ukraine.  The most popular sport is football (or soccer).  In the national team’s 2006 FIFA World Cup debut, they advanced to the quarterfinals before losing to the eventual champions.  Ukraine is also home to boxing world heavyweight champions Vitali Klitschko and Wladimir Klitschko. Since their Olympic debut at the 1994 Winter Olympics, Ukraine boasts 96 medals in four appearances and has placed a bid to host the 2018 Winter Olympic Games.  Physical activity and sport is truly appreciated in Ukraine.