Young People from Vinnytsia Are Vacationing in Kielce, Poland: Support for the Families of Ukraine's Defenders Continues Thanks to International Cooperation

'This summer, the children of our soldiers will have the opportunity to relax and improve their health abroad. This weekend, the first group of 46 schoolchildren, accompanied by teachers, travelled to our Polish twin city of Kielce. Our Polish colleagues have organised a packed programme for the children. They have already met with the leadership of Kielce, including Agata Wojda, the city's president, and Vasyl Bodnar, Ukraine's Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary to Poland. I would like to express my sincere gratitude to the community of Kielce and all our foreign partners, in particular those from Karlsruhe and Nancy, who have been organising similar tours for the families of our fallen heroes for several years now, for their support and understanding,' said the mayor of Vinnytsia Serhii Morhunov.

The project is being implemented by the Vinnytsia City Council's Department of Education in cooperation with the municipality of Kielce for the third time and has become one of the symbols of the Polish people's sincere solidarity with Ukraine in difficult times. Thanks to this partnership, children have the opportunity to relax, unwind psychologically, gather strength before the new school year, and feel the care and support of the international community.

'The programme ranges from active leisure to emotional healing. Interesting excursions, themed events, master classes, visits to museums, caves, the Botanical Garden, swimming pools and sports venues are organised for the children. There are also many interactive activities planned to develop creativity, communication and restore inner balance,' says Iryna Bozhok, deputy director of the Vinnytsia City Council's Department of Education.

A special event was the meeting of the children with the Mayor of Kielce, Agata Wojda, and the Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of Ukraine to Poland, Vasyl Bodnar. In a warm and open atmosphere, they welcomed the Vinnytsia delegation, wished the children new vivid impressions and a good rest, and assured them of further support.

'This project is more than just a holiday. It is about paying attention to every child who has experienced loss or prolonged separation from loved ones, about feeling safe and being reminded that they have not been left alone. It is about the importance of supporting the families of our defenders. And it is about the power of cooperation between communities that, despite the war, are building bridges of trust, humanity and a shared future,' said Iryna Bozhok, deputy director of the Vinnytsia City Council's Department of Education.

The international partnership with Kielce has already become a reliable foundation for new humanitarian initiatives and every year gives children the opportunity to regain a sense of peace, childhood and care for at least a few days.