(Submitted by World Affairs Council of Northwest Ohio)
How much do you really know about Ukraine? While the headlines keep piling up over the current political situation, many people might struggle to find the country on a map.
Join the World Affairs Council of Northwest Ohio to learn more about “Ukraine Beyond the Politics: The People and Places” at the W.W. Knight Preserve in Perrysburg, from 6-8 p.m. on Tuesday, Oct. 29.
“I’m afraid people may be getting the wrong idea about a country I have been fortunate enough to get to know pretty well over the years. I’ve met some amazing people and seen some remarkable places,” said Bill Hilt, president of the local affiliate to the World Affairs Council of America.
First introduced to Ukraine in 2000 when he hosted an English professor from there, Hilt stayed involved with various programs over the years, getting his first opportunity to travel to Kiev and Liviv, Ukraine, in 2006 for a program on civic education.
Since that time he has been involved with dozens of Ukrainian visitors and delegates in Northwest Ohio on a variety of programs, including three members of Ukraine’s Parliament last fall. Hilt spent two weeks traveling throughout Ukraine in July.
Also in July, Wood County Common Pleas Judge Matt Reger traveled to Ukraine as part of a delegation from the Organization for Co-operation in Europe (OCSE) to help monitor their elections.
Reger has been involved with OCSE for years, and last winter spoke about his experiences at another event for the World Affairs Council.
Joining the presenters will be some local exchange students from Ukraine, who will also share about their experiences growing up in the Eastern European country.
The focus of the presentations is to explore some of the history as well as some of the traditions, landmarks and cultures in Ukraine. Light refreshments will be served.
