40 Ukrainian children experience carefree days in Wiesbaden!

40 Ukrainian children experience carefree days in Wiesbaden!

In a warm welcoming atmosphere, 40 Ukrainian children from the twin town of Kamianets-Podilskyi in Wiesbaden started a recreation program. The boys and girls, who are all between 7 and 14 years old, arrived in the Hessian capital on July 18, 2025 and have already enjoyed several eventful days full of activities. Accompanied by a team of carers, they experience a break from the horrors of war, often in connection with personal loss.

As hessenschau.de reports, the ten days in Wiesbaden offer a welcome opportunity for the children to regain a bit of normality. All 40 children have parents or relatives who serve in the war and came here to the holiday camp thanks to a generous fundraising campaign by 317 supporters who raised a total of 31,734.85 euros. This gesture of solidarity was significantly supported by the partnership association and local companies.

Activities for the heart and soul

The experiences so far are colorful and varied. In addition to an exciting visit to Freudenberg Castle and a day at the Taunus-Wunderland theme park, there are many other activities on the program. Plans include, among other things, a boat trip in the Rheingau and a pool party in the outdoor pool, where the children can spend happy hours in a carefree atmosphere. These activities help children forget everything else for a moment, even if many of them have tragic stories to tell.

The Dustan Center in Wiesbaden was able to provide the children with organizational and emotional support. In this context, Mayor Mykhailo Postiko expressed that the summer, far away from air alarm, is perceived as a gift and a sign of solidarity. In an environment without sirens, children learn what it means to simply be.

The path to more normality

Similar projects have emerged in Germany on the initiative of many cities that respond to the needs of children affected by war. In Dresden, for example, Ukrainian children and young people have been invited on summer holidays since 2023 to offer them the opportunity to distract themselves and relax. These holiday camps are also intended to help the children develop perspectives for the future and to be able to leave the war behind them to some extent, which is described by staedtetag.de.

A well-structured program with excursions, sporting activities and breaks is offered by specially trained supervisors. In this way, the children not only experience joy, but also an important form of support in difficult times. The combination of local help and personal commitment brings both communities closer together and promotes exchange between cultures.

The initiative in Wiesbaden impressively shows how cities and communities can raise a voice for solidarity together. The children's levels of recovery and positive mood are a sign that there can be hope and light even in the dark times.