On International Children’s Day, a holiday was held for Ukrainian children living in County Clare.
On June 1, about fifty Ukrainian children came to a holiday organized by Clare Local Development Company at a children’s entertainment center in Ennis. Rides, pizza, ice cream, lots of friends and smiles…We were delighted to see families from the surrounding towns of County Clare. Some came from Kilkee, some from Lisdoonvarna and Ballyvaughan. Parents could also get to know each other, talk about common topics and share their impressions with their compatriots.
We tried very hard to make the kids feel happy, and spend time with their friends. This year was difficult for them. After all, life has radically changed: Their native schools and kindergartens, classmates and friends, favorite toys, room, country and even language had to be changed. We know how many difficult moments had to be overcome, how many new things to learn during this time. There is incredible gratitude to the Irish people who sheltered and truly protected these children from Russian missiles. Gratitude to the teachers who treat them so attentively and sincerely, and to new classmates who managed to help heal mental wounds.
Currently, the Ukrainian Response Team is actively planning and preparing for the Festival of Ukrainian Culture: “Discover Ukraine”, which is scheduled for August 18-20. This festival will be held on the eve of the Independence Day of Ukraine, which is the beginning of a new independent history of this country.
The main goal of the festival is the integration of the Ukrainian community, and demonstration of the traditions and culture of Ukraine. We plan to introduce local citizens to traditional cuisine, art, literature, music and dances of the Ukrainian people. Among the planned events is a meeting with the famous Ukrainian writer Serhii Adamenko (known in Ireland as Patrick), and a craft market where Ukrainians will be able to sell handmade products, paintings, and a large selection of various Ukrainian dishes. Another event we are looking forward to will be the presentation of a short feature film about the integration of Ukrainian teenagers. This film is currently being shot, and Ukrainian and Irish teenagers take part in it. The final part of the festival will be a big concert at which Ukrainian musicians, dancers, and singers will perform. It will be held in Lisdoonvarna.
We plan to cooperate with other counties in Ireland, so we expect guests from Galway, Dublin, Limerick and other regions.
Come and join us there!
