Young People from Vinnytsia Took Part in the International VINNYTSCIRK Project for the Second Time

To recharge emotionally, learn new skills and work in a safe environment – this was the main aim of the trip taken by children and young people from Vinnytsia to Besançon in France. From 12 to 20 April, pupils from the KASSSKAD circus studio, representatives of the Vinnytsia City Council’s Youth Policy Division, together with teachers from the VinSmart Centre and members of the Vinnytsia Youth Council, learnt new approaches to supporting children in wartime as part of the VINNYTSCIRK project.

This is already the second meeting between representatives from Ukraine, France, and Romania. This year, the main focus was not simply on diplomacy, but on practical learning: exchanging experiences and creating educational and recreational programmes that help children cope with stress. Participating in such formats allows them to see new approaches to working with young people without prejudice and to adopt effective European practices.

The focus has now shifted to the practical development of joint projects. Together with their French and Romanian partners, they worked on new programmes that can subsequently be implemented directly in Vinnytsia.

'Our children are gaining valuable experience, representing their city and forging strong bonds with their peers from France and Romania. It is important for us to support such initiatives, as they make a direct contribution to the social resilience of our young people. They see that the world is open to them, feel the support of the European community and learn to think globally,' notes Olena Voitovych, Deputy Head of the Youth Policy Division at Vinnytsia City Council.

Cooperation between the communities began in the autumn of 2025. At that time, the people of Vinnytsia adopted European experience for the first time in involving young people in circus and animation arts as a method of psychological support. This year’s visit was a logical continuation of the initiative.

For the studio’s pupils, this is first and foremost an opportunity to unwind, switch off and work in a safe environment, believes Liudmyla Polishchuk, head of the KASSSKAD circus studio. She notes that this year the project placed a special emphasis on inclusivity and practical activities, where, despite the language barrier, the young people understand each other perfectly through movement, acrobatics and collaborative creativity.

'We are immensely grateful to our colleagues abroad for such a warm welcome. The French and Romanian lecturers are true masters of their craft and people with a capital ‘P’. Their sincerity, patience and professionalism inspired us every day. They are incredibly kind and open-minded, and we greatly appreciate having had the opportunity to work side by side with such experts,' emphasises Liudmyla Polishchuk.

According to her, the group from Vinnytsia brought back with them a wealth of new methods and knowledge, which they will now share with other pupils back home. The studio director adds that after such projects, the children return home completely transformed – more composed and confident in their own abilities.

As Yevhen Liubchak, a representative of the Vinnytsia Youth Council, points out, this trip provided a valuable platform for exchanging experiences. In his words, it is an opportunity not just to see another country, but to interact face-to-face with equally active people and find out what their lives are like.

'It’s an incredibly cool experience and a great opportunity! But apart from exchanging ideas, we have another important mission. It’s a chance to talk directly about Ukraine. When you see that Europe’s active youth aren’t just listening, but are genuinely committed to helping and standing by our side – it’s inspiring. You feel their genuine, active support and clearly understand that we are not alone, but together,' shares Yevhen Liubchak.

The VINNYTSCIRK project remains not only a platform for creativity and learning, but also a tool for youth diplomacy, strengthening Vinnytsia’s partnerships with European municipalities.