The fourth meeting of the Club of “Active Community” with diaspora took place with Liudmyla Pylyp, a Latvian Radio host.

Liudmyla was born in Ukraine, in the city of Khust, Zakarpattia Oblast. She has lived in Latvia for over 20 years. She is a journalist, a host of the program “On the waves of the Dnipro” of the Latvian Radio. The program about the life of the Ukrainian diaspora in Latvia and events in Ukraine is broadcasted in Ukrainian. Liudmyla has also been a freelance correspondent of the radio «Svoboda» in the Baltic States since 2006.

Liudmyla came to Latvia for study reasons to learn chemistry. But she started working as a journalist and at the same time, all her work was related to Ukraine or the Ukrainian diaspora.

About the diaspora

In total there are 43,000 Ukrainians who live in Latvia (it is approximately 2% of the 2-million country’s population). Ukrainians have been migrated there for over 100 years. Ms. Liudmyla told that even in 1905 people celebrated here Shevchenko’s birthday. Generally, there were 3 waves of migration: before 1945 (before the occupation), before the Soviet Latvia (a displacement of labour within the borders of the Soviet Union), the migration in the period of independence of Latvia and Ukraine (a great bulk – after 2014).

In each region, Ukrainian diaspora has its own societies, sometimes – Houses (premises of the organizations for events and meetings). These include migrants of all ages – both “old-timers” and young professionals. All societies are united in the Association of Ukrainian Societies, which, unfortunately, is an instrument of Russian propaganda today.

“It did not accept new Ukraine, after the Revolution, after the Maidan and the East. Their position is that we deal only with culture, our position is neutral, politics is not for us… You cannot be neutral for a very long time. If you are a Ukrainian – you have a position, you ought to express it”, – said Liudmyla.

Thanks to the activities of Ukrainian civic organizations, the Ukrainian population in Latvia has access to the history and culture of our country, conscious citizens can freely express their position, protest. There are also holidays and festivals of Ukrainian culture.

About the civil movement

There is a civil movement, but there are no problems. The openness and transparency prevail in authority; you can “reach” the right officials. You may establish at will any thematic organization to express your own views or meet with deputies, for example, to discuss the environmental protection or ecology. “It is very easy to criticize the government, but you should try to do something yourself!”

About local government

Nowadays, the population in Latvia can be divided into Russian-speaking and Latvian-speaking (it is not just about the language; the roots are here in the distant Soviet past, habits and traditions, which are still preserved). Therefore, in matters of preference the political forces receive “likes”, from those people who either believe in the idea of “beautiful past” or are more conscious.

According to Lyudmila, even in the issue of media trust, people should rely on Latvian sources, because Latvians are worried about the situation in Ukraine.

Fortunately, Latvians themselves no longer associate Ukrainians with Russians so much. By the words of our guest, “sharovarshchyna” with garlic-lard-hopak is almost gone but, unfortunately, there are some people (mostly the elderly), who are still “stuck” in this view.

About the elections

The president in Latvia is elected by the Parliament, but the Parliament is elected by the population. “Packages of buckwheat aren’t given,” said Liudmyla. In her opinion, the main characteristic of the election is the transparency. In general, the elections are very typical: the elderly are more interested and they more often took part in it, less the youth. In general, few people join parties, because it is not prestigious and, in some cases, shameful.

About the national politics

The state language in Latvia is Latvian, and the majority of the population is Latvians. But at the same time, the other nationalities, including Ukrainians, can develop and preserve their cultural identity. For example, the radio where Liudmyla works is financed by the state.

Latvia’s policy on culture and incorporation of other cultures allows them to exist and have their self-expressions near Latvian culture. Companies and services are tolerant of communication in other languages, so there is often a possibility to choose a language for communication. However, if a person plans to start a business or join politics, he or she must know and speak Latvian.

About Latvians

Our speaker is from Zakarpattia and after coming to Latvia, she immediately felt the difference. She says that even some neighbors don’t know anything about each other. On the one hand – nobody looks into somebody’s private life, but on the other hand, it is a kind of cover from others. Compared to Ukrainians, we have more openness and hospitality.

However, if Latvians notice that somebody is interested in their culture and nation, they open up to those people and can tell facts that even Google doesn’t know!

What would you take from Latvia and Ukraine to create the ideal state?

From Latvia – social guarantees and insurance, opportunities for running a business, stability, transparency, the humanistic approach and restraint, some fiscal aspects.

From Ukraine – mountains and hospitality. Latvians highly regard the hospitality of Ukrainians. Now they have a new tradition – “White tablecloth”, for example, during the celebration of public holidays, one of the neighbors spread a white tablecloth over a table, treats guests to drinks and cake, but each of the guests also brings his/her own dish. Thus, there is a common table, in which everyone is involved.

About the media

Generally, the media is private, there is often no information about the owner. In the Latvian media “plugola” is not so noticeable but there are also some fakes (a large part is brought by the Russian propaganda).

About food

Such an extraordinary taste has Latvian home-brewed beer, which is brewed on the celebration of the summer solstice. Of the dishes – a wonderful and revealing Latvian combination are boiled potatoes, herring, and cottage cheese. Without any doubts, the a visiting card of Latvian cuisine is fish. Some of the national dishes are even included in the UNESCO World Heritage List.

About education

Children are taught from childhood to love their “small but native” homeland. Ms. Liudmyla said that she often sees the examples of good upbringing of some children and teenagers. At school, children learn the basics of environmental awareness, and out-of-school – other important topics of non-formal education, such as the basics of media literacy, about sexual minorities or basic religious values.

About medical reform

The reform was successful due to the trust to the government and consisted of the introduction of family doctors. As now in Ukraine they are the ones that conduct the initial examination and refer to the doctors that specialize in one area. Now there is still something to work on and something to get used to. “Not all at once and from the first year,” said the speaker.

“Respect and value yourself. Respect yourself for who you are! ” that was the wish of Liudmyla Pylyp to all Ukrainians. Never be ashamed of your origin and do not be afraid of condemnation or prejudice, because our country is going through a really tough time and needs our support!

Note. The mission of the “Active Community” is to achieve prosperity through the democratic development of Ukrainian communities. The goal for 2025 is to activate and involve at least 1% of citizens in decision-making and promotion of reforms in Ukraine on a systemic basis for the well-being of Ukrainian communities. The initiative was created through the activities of the “Institute Respublica”. We are working to increase the civil activity of citizens.