Wiesbaden offers Ukrainian children a summer full of hope!

Wiesbaden offers Ukrainian children a summer full of hope!

A whole lot of hope and carefree moments are in the starting blocks: Wiesbaden will welcome numerous Ukrainian children and young people from its sister city Kamyanets-Podilskyj in July. The summer camp, which is organized by the Dustan Center Wiesbaden, has the ambitious goal of giving the 40 participating children between the ages of 7 and 14 a well-deserved break from everyday life influenced by war. The stay, which runs from July 18 to 27, promises both restful and enriching experiences.

The participants, many of whom are internally displaced people, often have stressful experiences behind them. The loss of familiar people and constant threats shape their everyday lives. This is where the summer camp comes in: It is intended to offer the children new impressions and moments of carefreeness. An experienced team, including a management with Ukrainian roots, will look after the children and provide care in their native language. This creates a feeling of safety and security, which is particularly important in these times.

Crowdfunding for a good cause

In order to be able to realize this project, a... Crowdfunding campaign was launched, which requires total financing of 27,500 euros. The entire amount goes towards accommodation, full meals, educational support and a varied leisure program. The children can look forward to exciting excursions, for example to the Taunus Wonderland. An exciting opportunity to support the project is offered by ESWE Liefer AG, which contributes an additional 10 euros per donor for donations of 10 euros or more.

If you would like to find out more about the summer camp or donate, you can find the necessary information on the website wiesbaden-crowd.de/kinderundjugendcampukraine. If you have any questions, Jessica Huber and Wiebke Roth from the “Protocol, Town Twinning” department can be contacted at rekord@wiesbaden.de.

Cultural connections and support

However, the summer camp is only part of a larger commitment, which always takes place with an eye on the Ukrainian twin city of Kamianets-Podilskyj. Events such as the photo exhibition “Travelling Ukraine” by Aljoscha Crema, which will be on display in Frankfurt from January 3rd to 31st, 2025, impressively show everyday life in Ukraine during the war and invite encounters between people from both countries. Mayor Gert-Uwe Mende has taken over the patronage of this and similar initiatives that build not only cultural but also human bridges.

For example, the Wiesbaden * Kamjanets-Podilskyj partnership association has already collected medical products to support the affected population. This is done in close cooperation with the company founded in 2008 Children's Fund Ukraine, which tirelessly advocates for the rights and needs of children, orphans and widows and has launched projects to help people help themselves.

In these challenging times we need strong communities that support and help each other. The summer camp in Wiesbaden is a shining example of how we can pass on love, hope and joy despite all adversities.