War forces us to seek safety thousands of kilometers away from our homes, but it cannot sever our ties to our roots. Due to Russia’s aggression and the escalation of hostilities, 84 children from the Druzhkivka Children’s Residential Care Home were evacuated to the Kingdom of Spain. This step was necessary to preserve the lives and health of the children.
The bright Easter day for the evacuated children in Spain began with a visit to a solemn church service. It was not just a church service, but an opportunity to connect with eternal values, to feel peace and hope for a better future. The atmosphere of unity in the church reminded everyone: we are not alone, no matter where we are.
After the service, a festive lunch awaited the children. Thanks to the efforts of the caregivers and volunteers, the tables were decorated with traditional symbols of Ukrainian Easter: paskas that smelled of home; colorful painted eggs, a symbol of rebirth; and traditional dishes that, for a moment, erased the borders between countries.
The preparations for the holiday were no less eventful. The children visited an exhibition of pysanky and took part in a pysanka-making workshop. As they painted the eggs themselves, the participants learned about the symbolism of ancient patterns. Every line on the pysanka became a small message of peace and love for their homeland.
This day marked an important milestone in preserving our national identity. Even far from their homeland, our children cherish Ukrainian spiritual values.
We are truly proud of our children, their resilience, and their faith. And although Spain has become a safe haven for them, we eagerly await their return under the peaceful Ukrainian sky.
We express our deep gratitude to the Kingdom of Spain, its kind-hearted citizens, and volunteer organizations for caring for our children during this difficult time.
We believe in a bright future. Together, we are bringing victory closer! Everything will be Ukraine!