ST.NICHOLAS DAY ART SESSIONS FOR CHILDREN IMPACTED BY THE WAR

On December 8, 2023, in collaboration with the Art4Kids art school, we organized creative master classes for children at the “Recover Camp” in Lviv.

Sixty children, accompanied by their mothers and grandmothers from the Kharkiv, Donetsk, and Zaporizhia regions, actively participated in the art sessions. The theme revolved around drawing inspiration from the art of Van Gogh. During the two-hour art therapy sessions, families were able to immerse themselves in creativity, providing a temporary escape from reality and bringing genuine smiles to the faces of all participants.

Each child also received a unique art box as a gift from Art4Kids, containing a set of materials for creativity and access to online classes offered by the school, along with sweet treats.

The “Recovery Camp” is a special camp for mothers, grandmothers, and children who are internally displaced or reside in frontline cities, as well as for families who have lost a father due to the war. The camp, located in Lviv, operates year-round and is entirely free. By visiting the camp, mothers and children can rest mentally and physically, learn to smile and rejoice, as an integral part of the camp involves psychological and therapeutic work. Leisure activities are organized for children every day.

With the art box, each child also gained the opportunity to take a free online course, “Art for Beginners,” from the Art4Kids school. This course helps children unleash their creative potential and learn about world masterpieces by reproducing them in online workshops with instructors. The project serves not only an educational but also a therapeutic purpose.

A total of 175 art boxes were provided for the camp, with the remainder reserved for future visits.

Our foundation continues to actively support families affected by the war for the second consecutive year. Unfortunately, the numbers of those in need continue to grow. While war casts its shadow on us all, some feel its impact even more profoundly. Today, it is more important than ever to provide our children with a bright and happy childhood.

This meaningful initiative was made possible through collaboration with the Fishka platform, and heartfelt thanks are extended to all contributors for their invaluable support.