Malytska
Kostiantyna
May 30, 1872, Kropyvnyk (Austria-Hyngary)
March 17, 1947, Lviv (Ukrainian SSR)
Ukrainian poet, prose writer, translator, bibliographer, editor, educator, and cultural and educational society activist in Galicia. She is best known as the author of the popular songs “Chom, chom, chom, zemle moya…” (“Why, why, why, my land…”) and “U Sichi, u Sichi hurtuymos’ braty” (“In Sich, in Sich, let’s unite, brothers”).
The struggle for the education of the national elite is a struggle for the future of the nation, and only the nation that develops on its own ground has a future. The entire school system must be permeated with national spirit
Portrait of Kostiantyna Malytska
Artist: Iryna Vorobchuk
Kostiantyna was born into the family of a Greek-Catholic priest. She lost her father early, and her mother, Olena, who came from a priestly family and was an active public figure, took care of her upbringing and education.
After receiving her teaching degree, Kostiantyna worked as a teacher in Galicia and Bukovina, as well as in Lviv in the schools of the Ukrainian Pedagogical Society. She actively participated in public life, founded choirs, and “Prosvita” reading rooms, and was a co-founder of the “Women’s Community of Bukovina.”
In 1914, Kostiantyna was interned by the Russian authorities to Krasnoyarsk, where she became the first teacher at a Ukrainian school. After returning to Lviv in 1920, she resumed her work at the Taras Shevchenko School.
In the summer of 1941, Kostiantyna initiated the establishment of the “Women’s Service to Ukraine” organization and led it.
Kostiantyna Malytska authored around 50 literary works, including short stories, poetry, journalism, teaching aids, and plays. She is best known for her works for and about children, and her innovative teaching methods. Her name was prohibited during Soviet times.
A street in the city of Kalush is named after her, and annual awards for educators have been established in her honour.