Our History

How It All Began

The UA “Mriya” Community was born in 2022, when thousands of Ukrainian families were forced to leave their homes because of the full-scale war and begin a new chapter far from their homeland.

That was when it all started.

A small group of caring people came together to support newly arrived Ukrainians in Galway. We collected humanitarian aid, clothing, essential supplies, and helped those who were starting a new life in a foreign country.

The first home of UA “Mriya” was a small house near the Catholic church in the Mervue area, which quickly became a meeting place for the Ukrainian community.

Over time, we realised that our community needed more than material support. We needed a place where people could feel at home, make friends, find support, and stay connected to Ukraine.

This is how the cultural and educational centre UA “Mriya” was created, bringing Ukrainian families in Galway together.

We created a place where:

• children can not only learn but also stay connected to their culture, traditions, and Ukrainian identity;
• Ukrainian families can feel at home;
• everyone can find support, new friendships, and a piece of Ukraine far from their homeland.

UA “Mriya” Today

For the past three years, our community has been based at the ARD Cumasu Centre on Doughiska Road in Galway.

Every Saturday we offer classes in:

• Ukrainian language, literature, and history;
• vocal arts;
• dance;
• theatre arts.

We also organise:

• concerts and performances;
• Ukrainian film screenings;
• creative workshops;
• cultural and community celebrations.

UA “Mriya” is also home to a Ukrainian library — a place for reading, meeting, socialising, and discovering Ukrainian literature.

Today, our community brings together more than 50 students and their families. Our children also participate in international competitions and festivals, proudly representing Ukrainian culture abroad and gaining valuable experience and achievements.

Recently, UA “Mriya” was officially recognised by the Ministry of Education and Science of Ukraine, which allows us to issue certificates for completing programmes in Ukrainian language, literature, and history.

Creating the Future Together

For us, UA “Mriya” is more than a school or a community organisation.

It is a place:

• where friendships are born;
• where people support one another;
• where children grow up with love for Ukraine, its language, culture, and traditions.

We continue to grow, create new opportunities for children and families, and listen to your ideas and feedback, because together we make our community stronger.

Step by step, we move forward, improve, and build a place where everyone can feel part of one big Ukrainian family.

We invite you to become part of UA “Mriya”. Together, we will preserve our language, culture, and Ukrainian spirit for future generations.

👉 Registration Form:
https://forms.gle/qpW4xgfgB8Lx8LD87