Ludmyla Amaechi Remigius washes a client's hair at one of her two jobs in Prince Albert. Despite still learning English, she is determined to resume her previous trade of stylist. (Susan McNeil/paNOW)

By Susan McNeil

War in Ukraine

Language a minor barrier for Ukrainian growing roots in Prince Albert

Mar 3, 2023 | 5:18 PM

Speaking three languages is not an accomplishment most Canadians can boast, but for Ukrainian newcomer Ludmyla Amaechi Remigius, it’s not quite enough.

She and her 17-year-old son arrived in Canada five months ago because the teen was taught in English in Ukraine and wanted to come to here. Ludmyla is taking lessons at the YWCA and working hard on adding English to the Ukrainian, Russian and Polish she already speaks.

“My son is a very good English speaker. My son liked Canada, I like Canada,” she said.

Myla, as she is known at both of her jobs at Hair and Beyond Salon and at Harmon chicken barn, wants to take up her trade of hair stylist again and has already found some Ukrainian and Russian speaking clients.

She is also in schools, but English classes at the YWCA.

World Class Softball

Prince Albert ready to swing big on international stage

17h ago

Contest Time

Beach Radio making waves with 14th annual Summer Free Ride contest

20h ago

Safer communities

Smashed Car campaign returns to Prince Albert

May 16, 2024

In Ukraine, she was a hairdresser for nine years and has now done it for two months in Prince Albert.

Moving quickly from one country to another was challenging for Myla, between learning the language and other cultural practice and finding a place to live.

They spent the first month in the rural area outside of Prince Albert but for Myla, it was too quiet.

She is used to Dnipro, with a population of one million people, almost the entire population of Saskatchewan.

Her brother, his wife and son are all in Dnipro and her parents live about 100 kilometres away. While her old house is still standing, much of Dnipro is no longer the same.

Electricity and heat run at times.

She likes Canada and has no plans to leave, even if the war in Ukraine should end.

Meeting people has been a challenge although she knows 10 other families that moved from Ukraine as well and her social activity includes singing in the St. George’s Ukrainian Vaselka choir during a fundraiser meal on Friday.

“Restaurant, coffee, I don’t go because I’m very, very busy, every day,” she said.

Myla’s son is very happy at St. Mary’s School and she said finds it very easy. In Ukraine he attended school from 8:00 am until 4:00 pm and in Prince Albert he goes from 9:00 am to 2:00 with some spare periods included.

“My son has only three lessons. He said it’s easy,” she said, with a laugh. “He very, very likes school.”

One other thing that has transitioned well is driving. Five days ago, Myla bought a car in Saskatchewan and says driving is the same, right down to the stick shift.

—

susan.mcneil@pattisonmedia.com