On September 20, 2023, the International School Network visited the Embassy of Ukraine

to interview the Third Secretary Ms. Inna Ilina.

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We started the interview with a speech made by Karen; 

Thank you for granting us the opportunity to interview today.

I recently came across a touching video of a young girl in a shelter in Ukraine singing the national anthem. Learning the lyrics, led me to reflect on the power of the national anthem uniting the nation. As a Japanese citizen, I feel a deeper connection when singing our national anthem, especially in sports events. We stand in solidarity with Ukraine, and we hope that you continue to find strength and inspiration through your national anthem.

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Education

Given the current situation in Ukraine, the younger generation is facing difficulties in accessing education. As some cities are under occupation, people are evacuating to foreign countries including neighbors such as Poland, as well as Japan, which have welcomed around 2,000 evacuees. However, many of those who evacuated to Japan lack fluency in Japanese and must attend expensive international schools. Thus, online education is being utilized, particularly in the extension of the quarantine due to the recent pandemic. In cities that have not been occupied, students are able to attend school but must take shelter whenever they hear sirens warning of missiles.

Nevertheless, the education process of the students in Ukraine is continuing in different countries. For instance, those in Poland are learning Polish, and Ukrainian elementary students in Japan are learning Japanese. Simultaneously, they are taking an online Ukrainian school to ensure they do not forget their native language. Ms. Inna Ilina expresses her hope that everyone has an opportunity to return to Ukraine, especially the eastern part that has been destroyed and needs rebuilding.

 

What do you believe unites the nation?

Ms. Inna Ilina emphasizes that the experience of war has served to unite the people of Ukraine. Throughout history, Ukraine suffered oppression, both during the Soviet era and even prior to it. As a result, they have been struggling for independence for a long time. Ms. Inna Ilina highlights that the willingness to win in war, to rebuild and restore everything, to reach independence, and to be strong is what brings Ukrainian people together. Ukrainians acknowledge that the country would be in jeopardy without this strong unity.

 

As a child, what did you want to be when you grew up?

During her childhood, Ms. Inna Ilina had a passion for ballet and dreamed of becoming a ballerina. In addition to ballet, she studied other dances and was also in a chorus, where she sang Ukrainian national folklore songs. As she grew older, her career aspirations shifted, and during her travels, she aspired to become a CA (cabin attendant) intrigued by the CA’s ability of communication in multiple languages.

Eventually she became a diplomat, which was a profession that her mother had recommended. Her first language being Japanese and English, she initially worked as a philologist and a university teacher. It was four years ago when she arrived in Japan, and she likes her occupation as a diplomat although it is tough and busy considering the current circumstances. She feels the strong need to complete her diplomatic mission given her knowledge in the Japanese language.