Ivonka Survilla facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Ivonka Survilla
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Івонка Сурвілла
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Survilla in 2016
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| President of the Rada of the Belarusian Democratic Republic in exile | |
| Assumed office 30 August 1997 |
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| Preceded by | Jazep Sažyč |
| Personal details | |
| Born |
Івонка Шыманец / Iwonka Szymaniec
11 April 1936 Stołpce, Poland (now Stowbtsy, Belarus) |
| Spouse | Janka Survilla |
| Children | Hanna-Pradslava Survilla, Maria Paula Survilla |
| Residences | Ottawa, Ontario, Canada |
| Alma mater | Sorbonne |
| Profession | Translator Painter |
| Awards |  Queen Elizabeth II Diamond Jubilee Medal |
| Signature |  |
| Website | radabnr.org |
Ivonka Survilla (born Iwonka Szymaniec on 11 April 1936) is a very important leader for Belarus. She is the President of the Rada of the Belarusian Democratic Republic. This "Rada" is like a government for Belarus, but it works from outside the country. It is called a government in exile.
Contents
Early Life and Family
Ivonka Survilla was born as Iwonka Szymaniec in a town called Stowbtsy. At that time, this town was part of Poland. Her father, Uladzimier Šymaniec, was an engineer, and her mother was Evelina Šymaniec.
Escaping Danger
In 1940, the Soviet Union took control of the part of Poland where Ivonka lived. Her father was arrested by the Soviets. He was sent to a very harsh prison camp called the Gulag. Luckily, he managed to escape when Germany invaded the Soviet Union in 1941.
In 1944, Ivonka's family had to leave their home. They fled to the West, traveling through East Prussia with many other people. They eventually reached Denmark, where they lived in a refugee camp for several years. Sadly, Ivonka's younger sister passed away during this difficult journey.
Life in Europe
In 1948, Ivonka and her family moved to France. They settled in Paris. Her family was very active in the Belarusian community there. Ivonka studied art at a famous school called Beaux-Arts de Paris. She also studied at the Sorbonne, which is a well-known university.
In 1959, Ivonka Szymaniec married Janka Survilla. He was an economist and also worked to help Belarus. Together, they moved to Madrid, Spain. There, they ran a radio program in the Belarusian language.
Moving to Canada
The radio station closed in 1965. In 1969, Ivonka and Janka Survilla moved to Canada. Ivonka started working as a translator for the Canadian government. She later became the head of Translation Services at Health Canada.
Helping Belarus from Canada
In Canada, Ivonka Survilla became a very active member of Belarusian groups. These groups worked to support Belarus.
In 1989, Ivonka Survilla helped create a charity. It was called the Canadian Relief Fund for Chernobyl Victims in Belarus. This charity helped people in Belarus who were affected by the Chernobyl disaster. It sent medical aid, organized visits for medical staff, and provided food. It also helped children from Belarus visit Canada for health breaks.
Leading the Rada
Ivonka Survilla was chosen as the President of the Rada of the Belarusian Democratic Republic in 1997. She was the first woman to hold this important position. She was also the first president chosen after the Soviet Union broke apart and Belarus became an independent country.
Important Messages
President Survilla often speaks to the people of Belarus. She gives speeches on important days, like March 25. This day is special for Belarusians who want freedom.
She also signed an important document called the Prague Declaration on European Conscience and Communism. This declaration talks about the history of Europe and the impact of communism.
In 2013, Ivonka Survilla received a special award from Canada. It was the Queen Elizabeth II Diamond Jubilee Medal. She received it for her hard work in trying to bring democracy back to Belarus.
Personal Life
Ivonka Survilla has two daughters. One of her daughters, Maria Paula Survilla, was a professor. She taught about music from different cultures. Maria Paula passed away in 2020. Ivonka's husband, Janka Survilla, passed away in 1997 in Ottawa.
Besides her important work, Ivonka Survilla is also an artist. She is a painter and has shown her artwork in more than 30 exhibitions.
See also
In Spanish: Ivonka Survila para niños
