In Ukraine, English lessons for “armed” soldiers

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 Sekrijova gave up a quiet life of classroom integration lessons to give serious lessons to 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 now-defunct Kyiv Institute.

“I think teaching English in this environment is a small contribution I can make to my country, my countrymen and the army that protects us from this terrorist attack.” Russian, she 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 during 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 just learn the texts without understanding them… nobody 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 because on the one hand it is my hometown and on the other hand it has become the graveyard of my students.”She is sorry.

“Weapons 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.

“He had terrible English a few years ago. Everyone knows that. But he’s learning.”Yuri Kalmoutsky insists.

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. Sekrijova assures her that she has no desire to cope “Of puppies, kittens or friendly old ladies”.

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

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

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