Fifteen Ukrainian finalists for the 2009 Muskie program arrived in Kyiv for their one-day pre-departure orientation on June 11. The day began with introductions and congratulations by Deputy Chief of Mission (of the U.S. Embassy) Jim Pettit and Cultural Affairs Officer Susan Cleary.

On April 25, 2009 ECA alumni organized a seminar entitled, «Climate Change» at the Odessa National Environmental University. The seminar was held at the Odesa Youth Ecological Center of the University and commemorated the International Earth Day.

IREX/Ukraine Director/Education Programs Manager Joseph Bednarek conducted a workshop on blues music at the IREX office on April 25, 2009.

On Saturday, April 11, twenty Muskie and UGRAD alumni attended this alumni event at the IREX office in Kyiv. The first part of the seminar was conducted by Dr. Perry Kolodzy, a professor of business communication and organizational behavior at the International Christian University in Kyiv. Dr. Kolodzy is also a CPA (Certified Public Accountant). Special attention was devoted to all stages of a job interview, including preparation, participation, and “must-do’s” after the interview.

During the month of March, children of the Lviv City Orphanage # 1 rehearsed a folk Ukrainian tale “Koza Dereza.” The play was directed by Natalia (Kuryliak) Pratsiovyta and Marta Vynnytska, UGRAD alumni 2003-2004. In the photo: Natalia (Kuryliak) Pratsiovyta with the actors/scenes from the play.