HREC Education at the 2025 NCUE Conference

With thanks from our colleagues at the Ukrainian Language Education Centre at CIUS, University of Alberta. From their ULEC Newsletter, Volume 5, Issue 5, June 2025.

From May 16 to 18, the Holodomor Research and Education Consortium (HREC) participated in the National Conference for Ukrainian Educators held in Toronto. Valentina Kuryliw, HREC’s Director of Education, led a dynamic and hands-on seminar titled “Canada: Historian’s Workshop, Human Rights, and the Holodomor.” A longtime educator and advocate, she brings more than 35 years of experience as a history teacher and department head. Her session focused on delivering an engaging, student-centered approach to teaching complex historical and human rights issues. Participants took part in an interactive workshop that mirrors the classroom experience, giving teachers the opportunity to explore and analyze primary sources, collaborate in groups, and reflect on strategies to foster critical thinking.

Through the lens of the Holodomor, she guided educators in connecting historical injustices to contemporary issues, including the ongoing war in Ukraine.

Her comprehensive educational framework emphasizes inquiry, empathy, and civic responsibility, empowering students to become thoughtful global citizens. In addition to the workshop, she presented a curated selection of HREC’s top educational publications and downloadable teaching resources, all designed to support effective classroom practice. Attendees praised the clarity, adaptability, and relevance of the materials.

HREC’s participation in the conference reinforced the importance of historically informed, human rights—oriented education, and its commitment to equipping educators with practical, research-based tools.