Community Profile: Oleg
Oleg is one regular students who has been attending our Intermediate level classes. We really appreciate you sharing your experiences in Ukraine with us, Oleg!
Tell us about yourself.
I’m 60 years old. I was born and raised in Ukraine, Zhytomyr City. I am married. I graduated from two different universities. I served in Afghanistan for 2 years, then studied, and worked as a teacher and a school principal. Then I worked in different positions for the Ministry of Education and for cabinet of ministers of Ukraine. After I worked for Tesla Energy LLC. From February 2022 to April 2024, I fought as part of territorial defence of the 115th brigade “polissa.” Now I am retired.
How do you spend your free time in Vancouver?
Usually, I go to different community pools. Sometimes I travel to different places in BC, like the Sunshine Coast, Whistler, Kelowna, etc. Often, if weather is good, I walk the streets of Vancouver.
What are some challenges you’ve faced with moving to Canada?
One of the problems is not knowing enough English. Another challenge is the increase of homeless and drug addicts on the streets of Vancouver.
Which place would you recommend to someone visiting your country?
I recommend to visitng Lviv, Kyiv, Odesa cities. They have many historic places, like Ratusha Town Hall, Pechersk Lavra, Catacombs, etc.
What are you hoping to achieve during your time at MOSAIC?
I hope to learn enough English.
