Manor College, a Catholic institution in Jenkintown with roots in the Ukrainian-American community, will host “Ukraine – Education as the Battlefront of Democracy” on Thursday, April 6 at 2 PM in its auditorium.

This dialogue will examine the most crucial areas of educational reform needed in Ukraine in order to protect and preserve free and democratic ideals. Currently, the chief looming crises in Ukrainian education are conflicting ideals held by post-communist-era sympathizers who have failed to embrace Western philosophies and pay-to-GPA corruption, where those entrusted with educating Ukraine’s students are accepting cash for grades.

The issues have connection through Ukraine’s history with Russia and the resultant impact of the strained relationship on Ukraine’s economy. Is there hope for reform and increased international credibility of the Ukrainian educational system? Can the Ukrainian community and concerned Americans help Ukraine to resolve these crises?

The event and preceding luncheon are open to the general public, Ukrainian community throughout the region, and students. The fee for the luncheon is $25, and registration for the lunch (12:30 PM) and free program (2 PM) can be made by clicking here.

“In the same way that our ‘Ukraine: Humanitarian Efforts’ program’s call to action yielded 70 satchels of clothing and baby care products for the peoples of Ukraine,” said Manor College president Jonathan Peri.

“Our call to action for this program asks what we can do as a community to support stronger education and the fostering of democratic ideals for the students of Ukraine’s institutions of post-secondary education.

“If we don’t ask this question as the only existing institution of higher education founded by Ukrainian Sisters in America, who will?”