Summer is coming soon, school is behind, and parents are actively searching for ways to organize children's leisure activities.
A full-fledged quality rest is now of great importance, as children have been living under stress and anxiety caused by the war for the fourth year.
On May 26, in the picturesque villages of Transcarpathia – Polyana and the Carpathians – at the initiative of the regional state administration and with the participation of local communities, a health campaign for children from the Donetsk region, who need special attention, support, and care, began.
The children's institution "Pearl of Donetsk" which is currently temporarily operating in a safe region – based on Transcarpathian sanatoriums – has become a true refuge for children who need not only rest but also psychological recovery.
During the first health shift "Turn on the wave! Your energy. Your style. Your story," 150 children will enjoy the fresh mountain air, active health programs, excursions, sports activities, swimming in pools, art therapy, workshops, health procedures, a friendly atmosphere, new friends, and the care of educators and psychologists.
On the first day of the shift, representatives of the Donetsk regional state administration visited the children. They talked with the little vacationers, inspected the living conditions, food, leisure organization, and held a meeting with the educational staff of the institution. The Director of the Department of Social Protection of the Population of the regional state administration, Olena Tokareva, noted during the meeting with the educational staff: "The most important thing today is to give children a sense of security, care, and peace. Our main goal is to do everything possible so that every child has a chance for childhood, tranquility, and health."
The children joyfully welcomed the beginning of the shift. Many of them saw the Carpathians for the first time, felt the scent of pine, heard the noise of the mountain river, and realized that despite the difficult circumstances, there is light, beauty, and people around who sincerely wish them happiness.
All summer, more than 2000 children who have found themselves in difficult life circumstances due to military aggression and forced displacement will be rehabilitated at the regional children's institution "Pearl of Donetsk."
The health campaign is not only an opportunity for children to rest and strengthen their health but also an important step in forming a happy and harmonious childhood. This is an important contribution to the future generation, to their health, self-confidence, faith in goodness and humanity, and thus – to the future of the country. And while adults create a safe space for them, children dream of peace, of returning home – to a restored Donetsk.
Regarding the rehabilitation and rest of children, we recommend parents (or those who replace them) to contact the social protection authorities of the local communities in the Donetsk region.
May every child spend this period usefully, with new discoveries and sincere smiles!