Due to a long history of Russian regime over Ukraine, a large percentage of people in Ukraine speak only Russian, even though Ukrainian is the official language.  In 2000-2001, for the first time in the history of Ukraine, the First International Ukrainian Language Competition was launched, thanks to the initiative and work of the Ukrainian-Canadian philanthropist, Peter Jacyk, The Petro Jacyk Education Foundation, The League of Ukrainian Philanthropists and The Ministry of Education of Ukraine.  Therefore, the goal of the Competition was to awaken, embrace and deepen the knowledge and usage of the Ukrainian language among the children as well as elevate its status in Ukraine.

This unique Competition was established through the efforts of the organizing committees in Toronto and in Ukraine, as well as the contributions of our committed donors and sponsors.  Hundreds of monetary prizes were awarded with each being a Named Prize in recognition of its donor.

The Foundation always strives for the most effective utilization of its limited resources. One of its priorities is the initiating of long-term or permanent programs by providing the initial financing and occasional management input, after which the programs continue to work and develop independently.

For six years, 2000-2006, the Petro Jacyk Education Foundation helped its partners in Ukraine to establish a system and to develop a process of running the Competition. During this time the Foundation was financially responsible for the Competition. In 2006 it was decided that the Ukraine based partners were strong and experienced enough to take on the full responsibility for the Ukrainian Language Competition and the Petro Jacyk Education Foundation relinquished its financial commitment.