Balakun: Join the Conversation

We talk about russian disinformation and how to make an FPV drone with Kiwi In Ukraine. https://x.com/notafella69?s=20

Welcome! In this episode we chat with our friend Quignor. One of the first mentors to join Balakun. He told us about mentoring, his trips to Ukraine as a volunteer and meeting his student in person. Thanks for chatting with us while jet lagged Quignor.   / quignor   In other news, Sandi scored a point in the “try to pronounce it” game, finally stumping Vit with a completely nonsense word. Vit quickly reminded her that she can’t say mushroom in Ukrainian. Such is life… To become a mentor at Balakun go to www.balakun.co A big thank you to Vladyslove for your help with the intro, outro and interludes…   / vladyslove  

In this episode, recorded on February 22nd 2024, we talk about the anniversary of the russian invasion in its many forms. Vit explained events from his perspective and we collated accounts from students and previous guests about their experiences including Yana, Daniel Broomfield, Rick the Ukrainian and a student who wanted to remain anonymous. Mentioned links: https://www.youtube.com/@ricktheukrainian https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9apDnRRSOCk&t=3s https://blog.youcontrol.market/istorichnii-riekord-ukrayintsi-vidkrili-naibilshu-kilkist-fopiv-na-drughii-rik-viini/ https://standwithukraineworld.ukrainianworldcongress.org/ https://www.ukrainianworldcongress.org/20-years-since-russian-ukrainian-tuzla-island-conflict/ https://savelife.in.ua/en/ https://u24.gov.ua/ https://twitter.com/bozhablagodat https://twitter.com/Brooms1989

Welcome! In this episode we explore digitalization in Ukraine: paperless life, healthcare, finances and the IT Army of Ukraine. Join to understand all the faces of the Monobank cat, reminisce about the good times during the pandemic and consider the unforeseen consequences of a cashless society.     Of course there is some news, a meme and Sandi did not escape from her sentence in Ukrainian. She also tried to find a new way to challenge Vit. And failed. 

In this episode we chat with out friend Rebe, the verification group coordinator at Balakun. She has been part of the project since the beginning and told us all about the people she meets who want to do something to help Ukraine. Plus we have some news, a couple of fun facts and a language exchange. You can follow Rebe on twitter here: https://twitter.com/Rivkah1401

Qirimli, or people from Crimea. In part 2 we hear from Mavile about one of the most difficult chapters in the history of Crimean Tatars, the deportations of the 1940s and the painful consequences.  If you want to learn more about some of the important people we discussed have a look at:   https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/%C5%9Eefiqa_Gasp%C4%B1ral%C4%B1 https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ismail_Gasprinsky You can join us and become a mentor by signing up at www.balakun.co. We’d love for you to join our amazing community. 

Qirimli, or people from Crimea. This week we present a double episode featuring Balakun student Mavile, a Crimean Tatar now living in Kyiv. She tells us about the language, history and culture of the Crimean Tatar nation.  We decided to turn this into a double episode, since there was so much to talk about!  A huge thank you to our student for giving us this unique insight.  If you want to learn more here are some videos we recommend:  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5-sxb5g7DMM https://youtu.be/7XG8BWEOarM?feature=shared You can join us and become a mentor by signing up at www.balakun.co. We’d love for you to join our amazing community. #JoinTheConversation

The movies that shaped us. Students talk about movies and TV shows they love. Strong language warning!

Welcome! We were delighted to have Balakun student Yana join us for this episode. Yana told us about herself and her motives for joining Balakun before we launched into an episode about Ukrainian YouTube and how it has evolved in the last few years. Ranging from the serious to the ridiculous, here is a commentary on the diverse world of Ukrainian YouTube and all the craziness you didn’t know you were missing.  You can find Yana on twitter at https://twitter.com/bozhablagodat Channels in English or with English subtitles:  Toronto TV https://youtube.com/@UkrainianTorontoTelevision  Ukraїner https://www.youtube.com/@ukrainernet  Timothy Snyder https://www.youtube.com/@timothysnyder5948  Anna from Ukraine https://www.youtube.com/@AnnafromUkraine  Rick the Ukrainian https://www.youtube.com/@ricktheukrainian  Operator Starsky https://www.youtube.com/@StarskyUA  Sternenko https://www.youtube.com/@STERNENKO Hromadske https://www.youtube.com/@hromadske_ua  Yana’s List:  Geek Journal https://youtube.com/@GeekJournal  Kopiyka https://www.youtube.com/@kkkopiyka Kefirnuy https://www.youtube.com/@kefirnuy Ideya Oleksandrivna (Ідея Олександрівна) https://youtube.com/@ideyaolexandrivna  Vitalii’s List:  Manifest https://manifest.in.ua/  Ragulivna (Рагулівна) https://youtube.com/@Ragulivna  Fincher of kubrick (фінчер кубриком) https://youtube.com/@fincherkubrykom Searching for a bill (Searching for spelling; На пошуки грамоти) https://youtube.com/@naposhukyhramoty  Other mentions:  Animarody https://www.youtube.com/@Animarody Pes Patron https://www.youtube.com/@patronthedog

In this week’s Open Session students discussed historical figures from Ukraine, featuring such iconic, famous, infamous and nefarious characters as: Nestor Makhno Bohdan Khmelnytsky Ivan Kotlyarevsky Mykhailo Hrushevsky Ivan Sirko Ivan Mazepa Yaroslav the Wise and the krovosisia Azirov Many thanks to Yana (on twitter @bozhablagodat) for leading the discussion. https://twitter.com/bozhablagodat Warning, some strong language was used.

The usual suspects (mostly millennials) discuss generational traits and how they differ between countries. At least that's how it started... As always, the conversation evolved! Warning - strong language may have been used!

Vit and Sandi had another guest! We were delighted to host Rick the Ukrainian to talk about fundraising and his work translating and dubbing interviews with russian POWs. As usual we exchange news, an interesting fact, a words or phrase and explain a meme along the way. You can find Rick's channel here: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCCxXfP7OPRW99op9ZS4BB9A You can contribute to FPV fundraiser at Sternenko's channel here: https://www.youtube.com/c/STERNENKO If you want to become a Balakun mentor go to www.balakun.co. You don't need to be a teacher, just a fluent English speaker. Join the conversation!

Happy New Year! In this episode we explored the unique Christmas and New Year traditions of Ukraine from St. Nicolas Day, St. Andrew's Eve, Vertep (Christmas puppet theatre), Father Frost, Malanka, Epiphany, Old New Year and of course Shchedryk.Join us and if you want more here are some links we think you will love: https://youtu.be/0mazj4V11aA?si=MbpVqG5L3bZfHLpjhttps://youtu.be/O39vQhwY8wo?si=wv0ykIacar4BlXd3https://youtu.be/caIMVBzLOWg?si=WHqoKddyFp4h7cUqhttps://youtu.be/nF7rQl8j5uI?si=zYuJ5eOycjTgw7kvhttps://www.ukrainer.net/en-shchedryk-carol-of-the-bells-history/

This week for the holidays Sandi and Vit finally make borshch!  Follow along as we talk about all things borshch while we chop, grate and stew in this holiday special episode. Vit talks about all the different types of borshch and Sandi shares her impressions of her first borshch. As always, the regular features include news, a meme explained, pronouncing a new phrase and some fun facts about borshch. Smachnoho!

For the fourth episode we realised that we have not introduced ourselves and have not explained anything about the Balakun project. So we went off-script and just talked for a while. Sandi asked questions and Vit shared some of his background and life as a displaced person. We also talked about Balakun in general, its purpose and objectives. We haven’t forgotten about our regular headings though; news, interesting facts, new words and explaining memes.

Step into a world of lyrical beauty and cultural depth in our latest Twitter Space session with Daniel Asher. Daniel takes us through a journey of translation, interpretation, and the nuances of bringing Ukrainian verse to an English-speaking audience. This session is a must-listen for poetry enthusiasts and anyone interested in the rich literary tradition of Ukraine.📚 Highlights of the Session:- Ukrainian Poetry in Translation: Daniel shares his experiences and challenges in translating Ukrainian poetry, preserving its essence while making it accessible to a wider audience.- Supporting Ukraine through Literature: Discover how poetry can be a powerful medium to understand and support Ukrainians in the current context.- Poetry Recitals: Be moved by the declamation of Ukrainian poetry, translated into English by Daniel, bringing a unique emotional and cultural resonance to the session.Engage with Our Speakers:- Daniel Asher - https://twitter.com/abstractedaway- San - co-founder of Balakun and co-host https://twitter.com/htcrsp- Tetiana - co-founder of Balakun and co-host https://twitter.com/Tetianausua - Rebeca - mentor at Balakun from Mexico. https://twitter.com/Rivkah1401- Quiqnor - mentor at Balakun from US https://twitter.com/quignor- Alona - co-founder of Ukraine DAO https://twitter.com/cryptodrftng 🔗 Join Our Community:Our Twitter Spaces are a hub for cultural exchange, learning, and meaningful discussions. Stay updated on future sessions and participate in live conversations by following us on Twitter at https://twitter.com/EslUkrainiansSupport Our Efforts:Your engagement with this video helps spread cultural understanding and appreciation. Like, share, and comment to help us reach a broader audience. For more enlightening sessions like this, subscribe to our channel and follow us on:https://linktr.ee/eslforukrainians We thank you for joining us in this exploration of Ukrainian poetry and culture. Your presence and interaction make these conversations even more enriching and impactful.

Step into an enlightening Twitter Space session with Alona Shevchenko, the dynamic co-founder of Ukraine DAO. In this deep dive, we explore a myriad of topics surrounding Ukraine, from the intricacies of disinformation and media literacy to Alona's perspectives on current events. 🇺🇦 Session Highlights: - Understanding Ukraine: Alona shares her insights on Ukraine's situation, offering a blend of personal experiences and professional analysis. - Combatting Disinformation: Learn about the challenges of disinformation, and the importance of media literacy in today's world. - Interactive Q&A: Engage with Alona as she thoughtfully answers questions, providing clarity and depth on various topics. Link to Ukraine DAO link tree: https://linktr.ee/ukrainedao Speakers: - Alona Shevchenko - Co-founder of Ukraine DAO. Follow her journey and insights at - Tetiana - host and co-founder of Balakun, https://x.com/Tetianausua - San - co-host and co-founder of Balakun, https://x.com/htcrsp - Quignor - Balakun mentor from USA, https://x.com/quignor - Stas, Ukrainian https://x.com/Kharkiv_metro - Mau, friend of Ukraine https://x.com/anightsostill - Daniel, friend of Ukraine https://x.com/abstractedaway 🔗 Join Our Community: Our Twitter Spaces are designed to educate, engage, and empower. Be a part of our next session by following us on Twitter at https://x.com/@EslUkrainians Your Support Is Crucial: Your engagement with this video helps spread awareness and connect with individuals passionate about truth and transparency. Like, comment, and share to amplify our reach. Don't forget to subscribe for more sessions like this, and follow us. Thank you for joining us in this crucial conversation. Together, we can navigate through misinformation and contribute to a more informed and connected world.

Vit and Sandi speak to Daniel Broomfield of the Redwood Online English School about his experience as an an pat in Ukraine and why he loves to teach. Plus the hosts exchange news, words, interesting facts and explain a Ukrainian meme! Don't miss this episode!

A Bridge to Ukraine episode 02 “Start Ups”. Sandi and Vit discuss interesting Ukrainian startups, with an honorable mention from NZ.   Vit’s list:  Reface Preply  AJAX Sandi’s list:  Grammarly Patron Badge Daisy Labs Join the conversation at www.balakun.co. #JointheConversation #ABridgetoUkraine #Balakun

Dive into an enlightening session with Regina Bauer, a passionate supporter of Ukraine, Estonian language teacher, and a crusader against misinformation. In this special Twitter Space, Regina shares invaluable insights about Estonia, its language, and its history under the USSR occupation. This session is a treasure trove of information and a testament to the power of truth and resilience. Key Highlights: - Estonian Insights: Regina delves into the nuances of the Estonian language and its cultural significance. - Historical Perspective: Learn about Estonia's past, particularly its experience under USSR occupation, and how it has shaped the nation today. - Battling Disinformation: Discover Regina's efforts in fighting Russian disinformation online, a crucial task in today's digital world. - Interactive Q&A: Our students engage with Regina, asking questions and deepening their understanding of Estonian history and current affairs. Speakers: - Regina Bauer - Advocate for truth and Estonian educator. Follow her at https://x.com/petite_michelle - Tetiana - host and co-founder of Balakun, https://x.com/Tetianausua - San - co-host and co-founder of Balakun, https://x.com/htcrsp - Благодать - our student and Ukrainian language tutor https://x.com/bozhablagodat - Vit - our student and co-host of "A Bridge to Ukraine" podcast https://x.com/dedfilip - Maxim - https://x.com/jenyakell 🔗 Join Our Community: Our Twitter Spaces are a platform for learning, discussion, and cultural exchange. Be a part of our next session by following us on Twitter at https://x.com/EslUkrainians Support and Engage: If this session has been enlightening for you, please like, share, and comment. Every interaction helps us spread awareness and connect with more individuals passionate about language and truth. Don't forget to subscribe for more insightful content. For regular updates and interactive content, follow us on our social media platforms Thank you for joining us in this journey of education and empowerment. Together, we can make a difference, one conversation at a time.

In the first episode Sandi and Vit try their luck at podcasting to discuss how perceptions of Ukraine have changed since the beginning of the war from both within and without. This pilot is frank, funny, and tragic all at once. A big thanks to all the mentors who helped with our “research”. Join the conversation at www.balakun.co. #JointheConversation #ABridgetoUkraine #Balakun

Welcome to Lesson #2 for our advanced B1 and B2 students, where we dive deeper into 'Food and Drinks' and unravel the intricacies of 'Adverbs of Frequency'. Listen to our Ukrainian participants eloquently discussing their preferred dishes, the significance of meals in their lives, and the frequency of their indulgences. Ukraine's rich culinary heritage finds a voice as these students harness the power of the English language to present it on a global stage. In the Ukrainian context, food transcends mere nourishment; it embodies stories of lineage, kinship, and perseverance. Mastering English amplifies these stories for a wider audience. If their dedication resonates with you and you're driven to join our cause, either as a mentor or a student, please sign up at: www.balakun.co. Elevate our mission by liking, subscribing, and sharing. Together, let's empower Ukrainians to share their narratives and fervor. #jointheconversation #supportukraine #Balakun #eslforukrainians"

Welcome to Lesson #1 of our Advanced Group Lessons series, centered around 'Introductions'. Immerse yourself in this session and witness our Ukrainian students at the B1 and B2 levels eloquently introducing themselves in English. Their dedication to mastering the language, even amidst Ukraine's current adversities, is both inspiring and admirable. If you're moved by their journey and want to be part of this transformative initiative, whether as a mentor or a student, please register here: www.balakun.co Remember to give us a thumbs up, subscribe, and spread the message. Together, we can empower Ukrainians to engage with the global community, one lesson at a time. #jointheconversation #supportukraine #Balakun #eslforukrainians"

Welcome to Lesson #2 of our Group Lessons series, focusing on 'Food and Drinks' coupled with 'Adverbs of Frequency'. Delight in our Ukrainian students expressing their favorite cuisines, meals, and how often they indulge in them. In a country rich with culinary traditions, understand how the English language gives them a platform to share these traditions globally. For Ukrainians, food isn't just sustenance; it's a tale of heritage, family, and resilience. By learning English, they can share these tales more broadly. If you're inspired by their journey and desire to be a part of this meaningful mission, either as a mentor or a student, do sign up here: www.balakun.co Support our vision by liking, subscribing, and sharing our lessons. Together, let's help Ukrainians voice their stories and passions. #jointheconversation #supportukraine #Balakun #eslforukrainians

Welcome to Lesson #1 of our Group Lessons series, focused on 'Introductions'. Dive into this session and experience our Ukrainian students' first steps in confidently introducing themselves in English. Their eagerness to learn and bridge cultural divides, especially during these challenging times in Ukraine, is heartwarming and commendable. If this sparks an interest, and you wish to join this incredible journey with us, either as a mentor or a student, sign up here: www.balakun.co Don't forget to like, subscribe, and share to spread the word. Let's help Ukrainians connect with the world, one lesson at a time. #jointheconversation #supportukraine #Balakun #eslforukrainians

Welcome to Space #4! We're thrilled to announce that we've hit the 70 matches milestone! This session revolves around our progress, the stories that have shaped us, and the impact of these mentor-student relationships. As we continue to grow, we remain committed to forging bonds through language and understanding. Dive in to hear from various voices in our community and learn more about our ongoing journey. #BalakunJourney Special thanks to: Our mentors: https://twitter.com/quignor https://twitter.com/Rivkah1401 https://twitter.com/tayemnyykavun Our student: https://twitter.com/dead_mad_cake Co-founders: https://twitter.com/htcrsp https://twitter.com/Tetianausua And https://twitter.com/abstractedaway for #jointheconversation Make sure to follow these amazing speakers on Twitter. Your support means the world! Join us live every Saturday for more updates and discussions. Follow our main Twitter profile for notifications: https://twitter.com/EslUkrainians Connect with us on our other platforms: Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/eslforukrainians Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/eslforukrainians LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/balakun Blue Sky: https://bsky.app/profile/eslforukrainians.bsky.social Threads: https://www.threads.net/@eslforukrainians Like, Share, and Subscribe for more content and to support our mission! balakun.co

Welcome to Space #3! In this session, we celebrate reaching 58 incredible mentor-student matches. Our journey is constantly evolving, and we delve into various discussions shedding light on diverse perspectives. Hear firsthand from our mentors who graciously share their experiences and insights. Whether you're a mentor, student, or someone interested in our mission, there's a wealth of knowledge and stories waiting for you here. Join us as we continue to bridge gaps and build connections through language. #BalakunUpdates #EmpowerThroughLanguage Special thanks to: Our mentors: https://twitter.com/quignor https://twitter.com/Rivkah1401 https://twitter.com/tayemnyykavun https://twitter.com/balanasia Co-founders: https://twitter.com/htcrsp https://twitter.com/Tetianausua Make sure to follow these amazing speakers on Twitter. Your support means the world! Join us live every Saturday for more updates and discussions. Follow our main Twitter profile for notifications: https://twitter.com/EslUkrainians Connect with us on our other platforms: Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/eslforukrainians Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/eslforukrainians/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/balakun Blue Sky: https://bsky.app/profile/eslforukrainians.bsky.social Threads: https://www.threads.net/@eslforukrainians Like, Share, and Subscribe for more content and to support our mission! ⁠https://linktr.ee/eslforukrainians

Join us for another enlightening session of the Balakun updates. In this space, we proudly celebrate our first milestone of achieving 44 mentor-student matches! Dive into heartwarming stories as Connor shares his experiences volunteering in Lviv and San gives a peek into her vacation. Our students join us, not only sharing their personal journeys but teaching our mentors some Ukrainian words. Importantly, they shed light on topics sensitive to Ukrainians due to the ongoing war, offering invaluable guidance to mentors on what subjects to approach with care. Tune in and #JoinTheConversation. Special thanks to: Our mentors: https://twitter.com/quignor https://twitter.com/cryptodrftng https://twitter.com/ndboulton Our students: https://twitter.com/bozhablagodat https://twitter.com/dead_mad_cake Co-founders: https://twitter.com/htcrsp https://twitter.com/valschuman https://twitter.com/Tetianausua Make sure to follow these amazing speakers on Twitter. Your support means the world! Join us live every Saturday for more updates and discussions. Follow our main Twitter profile for notifications: https://twitter.com/EslUkrainians Connect with us on our other platforms: Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/eslforukrainians Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/eslforukrainians/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/balakun Blue Sky: https://bsky.app/profile/eslforukrainians.bsky.social Threads: https://www.threads.net/@eslforukrainians Like, Share, and Subscribe for more content and to support our mission! ⁠https://linktr.ee/eslforukrainians

Welcome to our weekly update from Balakun! Join us as we dive into the latest progress, achievements, and future plans for our mentorship project. In this insightful episode from Space #1, we dive deep into the experiences of both mentors and students. Special thanks to: https://twitter.com/ASarnatska a combat medic, for sharing her unique perspective. https://twitter.com/quignor for giving insight into the mentor journey. https://twitter.com/StepanGrb for continuous support. Co-founders https://twitter.com/htcrsp https://twitter.com/valschuman https://twitter.com/Tetianausua and https://twitter.com/Rivkah1401 for their dedication. And shoutout to https://twitter.com/jane_c_doe for joining us as well 🌟 Make sure to follow these amazing speakers on Twitter. Your support means the world! Join us live every Saturday for more updates and discussions. Follow our main Twitter profile for notifications: https://twitter.com/EslUkrainians Connect with us on our other platforms: Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/eslforukrainians Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/eslforukrainians/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/balakun Blue Sky: https://bsky.app/profile/eslforukrainians.bsky.social Threads: https://www.threads.net/@eslforukrainians Like, Share, and Subscribe for more content and to support our mission!