Committee members
JURATE MATULIONIENE
Jurate is currently the Chairperson of the Boston Lithuanian Community group and the Managing Director of the Boston English Academy and Boston Lithuanian Supplementary School which she established in 2011. Jurate is responsible for the overall running of the community group, coordinating projects and events, networking with other local community groups, Boston Borough Council, LT Embassy, private and public sectors. She aims to help people and inspire other volunteers to get involved. She has put together an excellent team of volunteers, encouraging their creativity, involving them in a wide range of socio-cultural and educational activities.
Together with active community members and group leaders, she has organized over 100 events, various kindness campaigns, and implemented a number of successful projects that ensured community development and close links with other communities and local institutions. Thanks to the great team, this group has a welcoming atmosphere, pleasant communication and respect for each other.
Jurate runs English (ESOL) courses in Boston, organises Lithuanian school activities, seminars and training sessions, conducts socio-cultural events, fosters Lithuanian culture and preserves ethnic cultural heritage. Jurate closely cooperates with Vytautas Magnus University, where she has been working at for over 20 years as a lecturer and currently teaches VMU students remotely and conducts various research projects, participating in international conferences.
Achievements
Master’s Degree in English and Philology Vilnius University, Qualified Teacher Status awarded by General Teaching Council in England, TEFL Cambridge, PTTLS L4 Boston College, Leadership L2 Boston College, CIOL Certified Translator
LCVS Volunteer Card Training, First Aid training, Safeguarding Course, DBS
Over 20 years of teaching experience, 10 years of managing and leadership experience
Over 9 years of volunteering at Boston Lithuanian Community experience
VILMA ROPEIKIENE
Vilma has been a devoted community member since 2011, she is currently responsible for coordinating primary school education and delivering tailored sessions at Boston Lithuanian Supplementary School. Over the last 10 years she has helped over 400 children to develop their language and cultural skills. She has contributed greatly towards the initial establishment of the school and its curriculum. Vilma has played the leading role in children and parents’ engagement into school events.
Achievements
Master’s degree in Primary School Education and Ethics, Siauliai University
Children and Young People Teaching Assistant Level 2, Boston College
LCVS Volunteer Card Training, First Aid training, Safeguarding Course, DBS
Over 15 years of teaching leadership and 10 years of coordinating teaching programmes of primary education experience
Over 9 years of volunteering at Boston Lithuanian Community experience
LAIMA URBONAVICIENE
Laima has been a highly dedicated and supportive Committee Member of BLC group who has helped to organize most of the groups’ Christmas and Easter events as well as the children’s competitions. She is a proud sponsor of the group and a valuable member of our community.
Achievements
BA degree in Designing and Modelling, Vilnius University
LCVS Volunteer Card Training, First Aid training, Safeguarding Course, DBS
Co-owner of the Baltic Food Park Grocery Shop
Founder and Designer of Touch of Luxury Business (Handmade Jewellery Boutique)
Over 9 years of volunteering at Boston Lithuanian Community experience
JURGITA ZIAUNYTE
Jurgita is currently the Secretary of the BLC group, who has been actively taking part in most of the group’s events, community projects and AGM meetings. Previously, she was the leader of the YouDance group and contributed towards many children’s performances and events.
Achievements
Master’s degree in Physics and Natural Sciences, Vilnius University
Bachelor’s degree in Applied Physics, Vilnius University
LCVS Volunteer Card Training, First Aid training, DBS
Current Operations Manager at Mercury Personnel Solutions Ltd
Over 9 years of volunteering at Boston Lithuanian Community experience
DALE KILKUTE
Dale is currently the Treasurer of BLC group; she takes part in the AGM meetings and supports the group by contributing towards the events and projects. She has been supporting our most vulnerable community members, elderly and isolated people by planning visits, delivering food and organizing advice sessions.
Achievements
Tourism and Commerce School in Vilnius, LT
CYOP5 awarded by CACHE Lincoln
LCVS Volunteer Card Training, First Aid training, DBS
Over 9 years of volunteering at Boston Lithuanian Community experience
Volunteers
DANGUOLE BUGVILIENE
Danguole is currently the leader and teacher of DO RE MI music studio. She is a very active member of the BLC group and has contributed greatly towards the implementation and leadership of various concerts and events. Due to Danguole’s dedication, a lot of students have had a chance to excel their musical and artistic skills. She has encouraged young people of different ages to take part in performances and competitions.
Achievements
Bachelor’s degree of Music Pedagogy, Siauliai University
Bachelor’s degree of Choir Director, Panevezys Academy
First Aid training, Safeguarding Course, DBS
Over 20 years of teaching music experience and 5 years of leading the music studio DO RE MI experience
Over 5 years of volunteering at Boston Lithuanian Community experience
MANTAS GRAUZINIS
Mantas is currently the leader of an award winning Dance Studio “KAST” based in Boston, UK. He runs street dance sessions and is responsible for planning various street dance competitions and events. He is a very active member of the BLC group and has contributed greatly towards the implementation and leadership of various dance performances, projects and group’s events.
Achievements
First Aid training, Safeguarding Course, DBS
Over 15 years of teaching street dance experience and 4 years of leading the dance group Kast experience
Over 4 years of volunteering at Boston Lithuanian Community experience
RENATA VASKIENE
Renata joined the Boston Lithuanian Supplementary School in 2016. She is currently responsible for coordination of secondary education and Boston Art and Crafts Club Fun of Boston Lithuanian Supplementary School. She contributes towards planning of school events and decoration. Renata has played the leading role in teaching Lithuanian for secondary school children, and students who have limited Lithuanian language skills. She has been one of the most creative members of the group.
Achievements
Bachelor’s degree in Pedagogy, Vytautas Magnus University
Bachelor’s degree in Pedagogy, Siauliai University
Teaching Assistant NVQ Level 2, Skegness College
Safeguarding Course, First Aid Training, DBS
Over 20 years of teaching experience and 3 years of coordinating programmes of secondary education experience
Over 3 years of volunteering at Boston Lithuanian Community experience
EGLE SAROCINAITE
Egle is our group’s active volunteer. She runs after school Eglė Maths club. She provides professional tuition for children and helps them to improve their maths skills. Egle provides support to the elderly through consultations and bringing people together and takes part in the group’s projects.
Achievements
Master’s Degree of Finances and Mathematics at Vilnius University
Bachelor’s Programme of Mathematics at Open University
LCVS Volunteer Card Training, First Aid training, Safeguarding Course, DBS
Over 10 years of teaching Maths experience and 3 years of leading the club Egle Maths experience
Over 3 years of volunteering at Boston Lithuanian Community experience
EGLE MATULIONYTE
Egle has been an active volunteer since 2011 and has contributed towards the development and implementation of numerous events. She is currently responsible for BLC marketing campaigns and the establishment of the website. She is an avid campaigner for inclusion and provides legal advice to affected community members.
Achievements
First Class Honours Law LLB at Westminster University
Masters of European and International Law at Maastricht University
LCVS Volunteer Card Training, First Aid training, Safeguarding Course, DBS
Over 9 years of volunteering at Boston Lithuanian Community experience
DAIVA RAZGUNIENE
Daiva is one of the main sponsors of our Christmas and Easter events and a valuable volunteer of our community. She has contributed towards both- the group’s and other local projects. She has continuously impressed our group with her beautifully decorated cakes and high quality catering at our events.
Achievements
NVQ/SVQ Level 3 in Management, Grantham College
Marketing Management, Kaunas College
Founder and Managing Director of Diva’s Cakes Business
Over 6 years of managing Diva’s Cakes business experience
Over 5 years of volunteering at Boston Lithuanian Community experience
SNIEGUOLE MILKUNIENE
Snieguole is an active volunteer and often contributes towards organization of traditional events and fundraising campaigns and kindness actions. She was previously responsible for the traditional arts club and contributed to the group’s events with beautiful decorations.
Achievements
International Finance, Klaipeda Business College
Children Arts Education, Klaipeda Art School
Safeguarding Course, DBS
Over 5 years of volunteering at Boston Lithuanian Community experience
EGIDIJUS SAULIUS
Egidijus has been continuously supporting the community during Lithuanian Embassy Consulate missions and various events. He is a greatly valued volunteer of our community.
Achievements
Creative English Course, Faith Action
Entry 3 ESOL Course, Boston English Academy
Over 4 years of volunteering at Boston Lithuanian Community experience
MARYTE KUBEKAITE
Maryte has been assisting in various group’s events. She has been helpful at fundraising events and kindness campaigns. She has been helping the elderly and isolated people by giving advice and providing information. Maryte is a valued volunteer of our community.
Achievements
Creative English Course, Faith Action
Entry 3 ESOL Course, Boston English Academy
Owner of the small business, Professional hairdresser
Over 4 years of volunteering at Boston Lithuanian Community experience
BRIGITA SIDLAUSKIENE
Brigita contributes greatly towards the organization of community events. She is particularly helpful by assisting fundraising events, promoting the community and organising refreshments. She has been supporting our most vulnerable community members, elderly and isolated people by giving advice and providing information.
Achievements
Trade and Business School in Vilnius
Law Studies, Romeris University
MB”BREGway” Director, Owner of a small and international business
Over 3 years of volunteering at Boston Lithuanian Community experience
DAIVA LEIMONTAITE
Daiva is our community photographer who captured a lot of beautiful moments of our groups’ events. She has also contributed towards fundraising and kindness campaigns during which she aims to support as many vulnerable and isolated people in the local area as she can.
Achievements
BTEX Extended Diploma in Art and Design-Photography, Boston College
Social Carer at Town and Country Care
Freelance Photographer
Over 2 years of volunteering at Boston Lithuanian Community experience