A year ago, the Ukrainian language was heard for the first time on the Bern-based radio station RaBe – that was how the program “Ukrainian Wave” was born. The show was created by a team of like-minded Ukrainians and Swiss with the goal of sharing stories about Ukraine – its culture, literature, and history – with a wide German-speaking audience.
“It is important for me that my voice is heard, even here in Switzerland, where I do not speak any of the official languages perfectly,” says Svitlana Prokopchuk, co-founder and host of the program, journalist with many years of experience in Ukrainian television, and Media Coordinator of the Ukrainian-Swiss Association (USB). After the start of Russia’s full-scale invasion, Svitlana was forced to leave Ukraine together with her six-year-old daughter. Yet her professional calling did not fade: one year later, she found herself behind the microphone again – this time in the RaBe studio in Bern.
A Swiss Woman Who Heard Ukraine
The idea for “Ukrainian Wave” came from Swiss national Karin Gerber, who has felt a close connection to Ukraine since 2014. “During the protests on Maidan, a young woman from Ukraine stayed at my home. Since then, I have felt a special bond with Ukrainians,” Karin recalls. She initiated the creation of the Ukrainian-language program on RaBe after learning about a similar project in Basel. “I wrote to one of the hosts of that program: ‘We need something like this in Bern!’ and soon a team formed around the idea,” she explains. Karin believes that “Ukrainian Wave” is important not only for Ukrainians but also for the local Swiss audience: “We all know too little about Eastern Europe. This program helps listeners hear Ukrainians’ voices and better understand their world.”
A Radio That Speaks Two Languages
“Ukrainian Wave” is a young project that, as its creators say, is “learning to speak two languages at once.” The program is produced in Ukrainian and German, with the mission of both supporting the Ukrainian community in the canton of Bern and introducing Swiss audiences to Ukrainian culture and mentality. Listeners can learn what Christmas used to be like in ancient Ukraine, why Ukrainians attach such importance to remembrance days tied to their struggle for independence, or what traditional Ukrainian embroidery has in common with Swiss folk costumes. “Telling Ukraine’s story in a language understandable to local listeners is a challenge, but also an honor. We strive for our programs to connect cultures, not just inform,” says the “Ukrainian Wave” team.
Stories of Women’s Resilience
A special segment of the program is dedicated to stories of Ukrainian women whose lives have been changed by the war, yet whose inner strength remains unbroken. These women have found new professions, adapted to new realities, and found the courage to help others, inspiring those around them. “Sometimes the editing of a program ends at midnight, but we feel it’s worth it. Every story we tell is another bridge between Ukraine and Switzerland,” says Svitlana.
Looking Ahead
Over the past year, “Ukrainian Wave” has become not just an informational platform, but a community that unites people through their love for Ukraine. Encounters in the RaBe studio often grow into cultural and social initiatives, and each episode tells a new story of strength, solidarity, and understanding. “We will continue to tell stories about Ukraine, its people, and its traditions. We’ll keep searching for inspiring voices. This is only the beginning of our wave – a wave that grows stronger every day,” the team concludes.
You can listen to the “Ukrainian Wave” program on Radio RaBe (Bern, Switzerland) or online at www.rabe.ch
