Sviatlana Sachyk

Hello! My name is Sviatlana, and I am an educator and linguist with over 20 years of experience in education.
 

My academic background is in Philology and Russian Language and Literature, and I also hold a degree in Teaching Second Languages from the University of Calgary.
 

Eight years ago, I founded the Kolibri Russian Language School, which has since grown into a warm and thriving community for children and families. I believe that teaching Russian to children growing up abroad is about much more than vocabulary and grammar — it’s about identity, connection, culture, and belonging. Language helps children stay connected to their roots, heritage, and worldview, while building a supportive community through shared learning.
 

At Kolibri, learning extends far beyond the classroom. We create a rich cultural environment through annual concerts, movie nights, intellectual games, detective quests, and creative projects. Our Russian-language library now includes over 900 books, giving children ongoing access to stories, knowledge, and imagination in their heritage language.
 

I truly believe that language shapes a child’s thinking, confidence, and perspective. Learning multiple languages should feel joyful, engaging, and inspiring — never stressful or forced. Supporting children as they become bilingual or multilingual is one of the most valuable gifts we can offer for their future.
 

My mission is to create a learning space where children feel confident, curious, connected, and proud of who they are— where language becomes not just a skill, but a bridge between cultures, generations, and hearts.