UCHI

About Us [about.html] Support Programs Materials FAQ Links Events укр The mission of the UCHI is to promote cultural, educational, and humanitarian contacts between the USA and Ukraine Succinctly stated, a serious lack of mutual understanding between the United States and Ukraine exists. From the end of World War II until the late 1980Тs, a state of Cold War existed between the United States of America and the former Union of Soviet Socialist Republics, of which the country of Ukraine was a part. Due to its lack of individual identity, which resulted from decades more of foreign rule, Ukraine, with a population of 49 million, rich reserves of coal, 1/3 of the earthТs most productive soil, and a highly-educated population is still basically an unknown country to most Americans. And while the US carries an intriguing mystique for Ukrainians, true understanding of American society eludes them. UkrainiansТ conception of the US is clouded by the false images they receive from American movies and popular culture. Ukraine currently finds itself at a crossroads in its post-Soviet development, whereby, in the words of former US President Bill Clinton, Уcommunism has lost in Ukraine, but a full commitment to free-market democracy has not yet won.Ф This lack of contact and resulting lack of understanding hinder the two countries from building concrete relationships even ten years after the collapse of the Soviet Union. All too often, attempts made to cooperate on projects involving business, educational, and cultural issues fail due to this lack of true appreciation for conditions in each country. Citizens of Ukraine, who are interested in building democratic society in their country, are frustrated by the overwhelming scope of the task that lies ahead of them, and their lack of comprehension of such issues. Immigrants from Ukraine, who arrive in America find themselves confronted with the daunting task of adapting to conditions in a country strikingly different from that which they had previously imagined. Finally, there is a general lack of awareness regarding work being done in and for Ukraine by the various parties implementing such work. The Ukrainian Cultural and Humanitarian Institute will work to remedy these problems by promoting contacts between the US and Ukraine. It will serve three constituencies: 1 Ц Americans interested in pursuing contacts with Ukraine; 2 Ц Ukrainians in Ukraine, who are interested in building a democratic society and strengthening relations with the USA; and 3 Ц Ukrainian immigrants living in the USA. During the course of its first year of existence the Institute plans to identify the organizations and individuals, which comprise the three constituent groups. It will then outline the needs of each of these three groups. An assessment of the capabilities of the Institute to address these needs will then be performed and a business plan for the organization will be developed. The enhanced information flows and systematized provision of services to the three constituent groups carried out by the Institute will benefit each group in turn in unique and dynamic ways. Information flows provided by an organization serving all three constituencies will provide a greater exchange of accurate information and, therefore, better understanding. Ultimately, this understanding will lead to increased opportunities for business relationships and economic partnership. © Ukrainian Cultural and Humanitarian Institute, 2002-2005 Webmaster