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 / Ivonka Szymaniec
April 11, 1936 Stołpce, Second Polish Republic (now Stoŭbcy, Belarus) |
| Spouse | Janka Survilla |
| Children | Hanna-Pradslava Survilla, Dr. 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 Ivonka Šymaniec on April 11, 1936) is a very important leader. She is the President of the Rada of the Belarusian Democratic Republic. This is a special kind of government that works from outside its home country, often because the home country is not free.
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Early Life and Family History
Ivonka Survilla was born Ivonka Šymaniec in a town called Stołpce. At that time, this town was part of Poland, but it is now in Belarus. Her father, Uladzimier Šymaniec, was an engineer, and her mother was Evelina Šymaniec.
In 1940, when Ivonka was young, her father was arrested. This happened after the Soviet Union took control of their part of Belarus. He was sent to a very harsh prison camp. Luckily, he was able to escape when Germany attacked the Soviet Union.
In 1944, Ivonka's family had to leave their home. They fled west with many other people to escape the war. They ended up living in a refugee camp in Denmark for several years. Sadly, Ivonka's younger sister died during this difficult journey.
Moving to France and Canada
In 1948, Ivonka's family moved to France and settled in Paris. Her family was very active in the Belarusian community there. Ivonka studied at an art school in Paris and later graduated from a university called the Sorbonne.
In 1959, Ivonka married Janka Survilla. He was an economist and also a Belarusian activist. They moved to Madrid, Spain, where they started a radio show in the Belarusian language. The government in Spain at the time supported this radio program.
When the radio station closed in 1965, Ivonka and Janka Survilla moved to Canada in 1969. In Canada, Ivonka began working as a translator for the Canadian government. She later became the head of translation services for a government department that deals with health.
Ivonka Survilla also became a very active member of Belarusian groups in Canada.
Helping Chernobyl Victims
In 1989, Ivonka Survilla and her husband, along with some friends, started a charity. It was called the Canadian Relief Fund for Chernobyl Victims in Belarus. This organization helped people affected by the Chernobyl disaster.
They sent medical supplies and food to Belarus. They also arranged for doctors and nurses from Canada and Belarus to visit each other. The charity even brought children from Belarus to Canada for health breaks.
Becoming President
Ivonka Survilla was chosen to be the president of the Rada of the Belarusian Democratic Republic in 1997. She is the first woman to hold this important position. She is also the first president chosen after the Soviet Union broke apart and Belarus became an independent country.
As president, Survilla often speaks to the Belarusian people. She gives speeches on important days, like March 25.
In 2013, she received a special award from Canada. It was called the Queen Elizabeth II Diamond Jubilee Medal. She got this award for her hard work in trying to bring democracy back to Belarus.
Personal Life and Hobbies
Ivonka Survilla has two daughters. One of her daughters, Maria Paula Survilla, was a university professor who studied music. Ivonka's husband, Janka Survilla, passed away in 1997.
Besides her political work, Ivonka Survilla is also a talented painter. She has shown her artwork in more than 30 exhibitions.
