The Voices of Children Foundation joined the restoration of the deoccupied Trostyanets in the Sumy region. In particular, on March 12, a new space for children and youth was opened in the city’s public library.It is important to receive joy and positive emotions even in times when everything is falling apart. We are happy that there are more opportunities for children in the Trostyanets community,said Olena Rozvadovska, head of the Children’s Voices Foundation.
The foundation not only built a new room, but also renovated two others. This included covering the walls, ceilings, and floors, replacing all utilities, installing a bathroom, and equipping it with furniture, board games, and a coffee machine.
The library as a community center
Trostyanets was occupied by Russian troops for over a month. When the city was liberated on March 26, 2022, the first thing people went to was the library.”They didn’t come for a book so much as for psychological help. We, the librarians, provided it as best we could: we spoke to them in a humane way, we simply listened,” said Lyudmila Yefremova, director of the Trostyanets Public Library.
Children and young people, who faced a lack of live communication and leisure, needed the most attention. Thus, the Center for Informal Education was established on the basis of the library, which includes courses in web design and 3D modeling, discussion clubs in Polish and English, a documentary film club on human rights, etc.Moreover, children themselves organize events in various areas. The Children’s Advisory Council takes an active part in community life.
Not just a library
In Trostyanets, the Voices of Children Foundation also repaired a shelter and purchased multimedia equipment for comprehensive school No. 5. Thus, children will not only be able to wait out the threat of Russian shelling in safety, but also study there.
In addition, the foundation equipped a resource room at School No. 2 with furniture and equipment. Psychologists conduct group classes for children in this space.
And for the Palace of Children and Youth, the fund purchased tourist equipment and two plasma TVs. This extracurricular educational institution suffered seriously during the Russian occupation: what the enemy could not steal, he destroyed and damaged. But now the children can once again do their favorite thing.
And the Children’s Voices Foundation continues to work to ensure that Ukrainian children can smile, despite the war.
