10 days filled with warmth, care and sincerity - that's how long children from the Andriyivska community of Donetsk Oblast spent in Zhytomyr region.
The young residents of the frontline area, where daily anxiety is a harsh reality, were able to take a break from fear and tension for a while.
The project was implemented by the Berezivka Village Council, a partner in the national project "Side by Side: United Communities".
The children's rehabilitation took place at the Denyshi sanatorium, where they were offered relaxing and strengthening procedures, fresh air filled with pine healing aroma, comfort, delicious food, and a friendly atmosphere every day.
Children from Donetsk region got acquainted with the educational institutions of the Berezivska community every day, where each meeting was special:
- a variety of master classes,
- culinary classes,
- active games, fishing,
- gifts,
- unforgettable photos.
In each village, the young guests were greeted with hugs and open hearts.
The visit to one of the residents of the Berezivska community, Serhiy Gruzinsky, who created a unique harmonious space called Biophilia, which essentially means "love of life, or love of nature," was especially warm and sincere.
The children learned about amazing cacti from a private collection, visited thematic locations, and heard stories about caring for the environment. Everyone found something close to them: some were inspired by the beauty of plants, and others by the idea of a space created out of love.
A trip to Zvyagel, the town where Lesya Ukrainka was born, became a memorable day. The children visited the literary and memorial museum of the poetess, learned about her family, childhood and courageous fate. They walked near the remains of the ancient fortress and the huge symbol of the city - the cast bell, taking bright photos to remember.
The trip to the world of Polissya authenticity - to the Polissya Hata ethnographic cultural and artistic open-air center - was also unforgettable. The children had the opportunity to see what life was like for our ancestors: to feel the spirit of a village hut, touch antiques, and hear the legends of Polissia.
A special moment was when the children tasted Polissya dishes from traditional dishes - this added authenticity, and fun games in the yard filled the day with sincere laughter and pleasure. And in the end - a highlight from the owners of the institution: a horseback ride in a horse-drawn cart!
The young guests also visited the regional center - Zhytomyr. Here they had interesting excursions, visits to museums and sights, breathtaking views of the Teteriv River and the peace of mind of the St. Anastasievsky Monastery.
And a pleasant surprise: ice cream of the well-known local brand Rud and a photo near the only ice cream monument in Ukraine!
When it was time to return home, they were sincerely grateful. They thanked not for anything in particular, but for the days when they felt like children again. For care, for new friends, for warmth, for indifference.
Based on the materials of Berezivka village council