The teachers of Ukrainian language & literature, who conduct "From Childhood to Taras," believe the project is a good example of how to educate nationally conscious citizens of an independent Ukraine.

“From Childhood to Taras” was established to encourage children to develop a deeper understanding of the works of Taras Shevchenko and to perfect their mastery of the Ukraninan language. The competition has monumental meaning for the young Ukrainian generations who attend, leaving them with an unforgettable experience and love for their country.

Every March, children from various regions in Ukraine compete by reciting Taras Shevchenko’s poetry. The contest is open to all students 12-18 years old and is conducted by teachers of Ukranian language and literature. Students compete in the recital of Shevchenko's poems beginning at their grade level, then in the school district contest, followed by county-level, and eventually regional competition. 

The prize is a trip to Kyiv and Kaniv, where the winners visit historical sites of Ukraine including St. Sophia Cathedral, "Pecherska Lavra" (Monastery of the Caves), Golden Gates of Kyiv, St. Andrew's Church, and Independence Square. From Kyiv, the children travel to Kaniv, where they pay their respects to Taras Shevchenko at the Bard of Ukraine.

Each year UUARC solicits sponsors for the different oblasts that are included in the program. All travel expenses are paid for by UUARC, ensuring that these children who have worked hard to learn the famous poems of Taras Shevchenko can enjoy a truly meaningful reward.

Since its establishment in 2007, “From Childhood to Taras,” has been expanded to include more children from various oblasts in Ukraine. Over the years the previous competitions have included students from the following oblasts: The Autonomous Republic of Krym, Chernihivska, Chernivetska, Dnipropetrovska, Donetska, Ivano-Frankivska, Kharkivska, Khersonska, Khmelnytska, Kirovohradska, Lyivska, Luhanska, Mykolayiv, Odeska, Poltavska, Rivenska, Sumska, Ternopilska, Vynnytska, Volynska, Zakarpatska, Zaporizhska, Zhytomyrska, and Prydnistrovja, Moldava.