In Ukraine, English lessons for “armed” soldiers

When Olena Sekhryzova followed her grandmother’s example and became an English teacher, she had no idea that her job would lead her to the front lines of the war against Russian forces in Ukraine.

However, this has become its new reality as Ukrainian soldiers try to learn English, and especially military terminology, so that they can better use the combat aid provided by Washington and its allies.

Deliveries of this equipment, especially HIMARS artillery systems, have already changed the situation on the front line and President Volodymyr Zelensky’s whirlwind visit to Washington on Wednesday made other promises and notably, for the first time, led to the delivery of the Patriot missile. Security system.

Training material for this new equipment is available primarily in English, a language often needed by Ukrainian soldiers to communicate with foreign volunteer fighters they encounter in the field.

To overcome the language barrier, 35-year-old Ms Dsegrijova gave up a quiet life of classroom integration lessons to teach intensive lessons in the armed forces.

For example, he spent five months at a base in the Donetsk region, the scene of the most intense fighting in the country’s east, where he lived with soldiers and participated in training.

“Some people think I’m crazy,” he told AFP at the Kyiv facility where he is now stationed.

“I think that teaching English in this context is a small contribution that I can make to my country, my countrymen and the military that is protecting us from this Russian terrorist attack,” he adds.

– “wounded”, “killed in action” –

Almost all Ukrainian soldiers received at least some English lessons in school, but they were not always effective, especially for the elderly.

“It was the Soviet era, and the English I learned at school was really nothing,” said Igor Soldatenko, 50, one of Ms. Sekrijova’s students.

“As I see it today, the whole system is inadequate. We were just learning texts without understanding them. No one can use them in real life,” he continues.

On the other hand, recent lessons are more practical and have taught him words like “wounded”, “semi-automatic”, “concealment” and phrases like “killed in action”.

Learning goes both ways, Ms. Sekrijova gains a new understanding of tactics and strategy—and an insight into the rigors of military life.

While in Donetsk region, he wept alongside soldiers who had lost their comrades, including his students, in fierce fighting in his hometown of Bagmouth, the hottest place in months.

“It is a double pain for me. On one hand it is my hometown and on the other hand it has become the graveyard of my students,” he laments.

– ‘Weapon in English’ –

During a recent lesson in Kyiv, Ms Chekryjova’s students alternated between English and Ukrainian to talk about the victims.

“I miss a lot of friends… that’s my circle of close people, I miss them… I miss them,” says Yuri Kalmoutsky, a 36-year-old soldier in broken English. “It’s very difficult”.

As they try to master English, Ms Tsekrijova’s students told AFP they were inspired by President Zelensky’s journey to learn the language.

“A few years ago, he had terrible English. Everyone knew that. But he learned,” said Yuri Kalmoutsky.

Her students have made similar progress, but Ms. Tsekrijova reveals she struggles to reach more people.

International organizations have so far rejected its requests for funding, arguing that they do not want to be listed as donors to the military.

“They say they want to help children, animals, the elderly or refugees,” explains the author.

Her students criticize this approach and Ms. Tsekrijova asserts that she does not want to take care of “puppies, cats, or friendly old ladies.”

The entire class is convinced that English will help them win the war.

“So,” says Mrs. Sekrijova, as the lesson ends. “Are you armed in English?”

“Yes, I think so,” replies Private Soldatenko.