Cultural, Educational, and Publishing Activities of Ukrainian Emigrant Organizations in Great Britain in the Second Half of the 20th Century

Abstract

The purpose of the study is to provide a comprehensive characterization of the cultural, educational, and publishing activities of Ukrainian emigrant organizations in Great Britain during the second half of the 20^th century. Methods: The historical-chronological method was used to trace the evolution of diaspora institutions from their establishment to the end of the 20^th century; the historical-comparative method was employed to compare the British model of cultural self-organization with the Canadian and American experience of Ukrainian emigration; the problem-chronological approach was applied to analyse specific areas of community activity; and the structural-functional method was used to examine the organizational structure and functions of cultural and educational institutions. Results. It was found that the Ukrainian community in Great Britain created a multi-level system of cultural self-organization, centred around the Association of Ukrainians in Great Britain, which coordinated the work of educational, cultural, and publishing structures. Three key areas of diaspora activity were identified: educational, which included a network of Saturday schools and the Ukrainian Educational Council for preserving language and national identity among youth; cultural and artistic, represented by choirs, theatrical groups, dance ensembles, and folk-art museums; and publishing, which encompassed periodicals in Ukrainian and English and the book publishing activities of the Ukrainian Publishers’ Union. It was proven that church parishes performed not only spiritual but also educational and cultural functions, supporting Sunday schools and cultural circles. The role of youth organizations in raising a new generation of Ukrainians – integrated into British society yet raised in the national tradition – was clarified. The scholarly novelty of the study lies in the systematic analysis of the entire complex of cultural, educational, and publishing initiatives of the Ukrainian diaspora in Great Britain as a holistic phenomenon of national self-organization, which has enabled, for the first time, a comprehensive reconstruction of the mechanisms for preserving ethnocultural identity within British society. Conclusions. Ukrainian organizations in Great Britain in the second half of the 20^th century conducted multifaceted cultural, educational, and publishing activities. They created cultural institutions, organized exhibitions and conferences, and collaborated with British establishments to popularize Ukrainian culture. Publishing activities covered religious, cultural, and scholarly topics. English-language materials were used in university courses, contributing to the integration of Ukrainian studies into the British academic tradition. The educational system ensured the transmission of language, traditions, and historical memory to younger generations, preventing assimilation. Women played an important role, engaging in charity work and teaching. Through the established network of community, educational, and religious centres, the Ukrainian diaspora preserved its national identity, raised younger generations in the national spirit, and spread knowledge about Ukraine worldwide.