International volunteer camp in Moschun village near Kyiv was successfully held!
Throughout two weeks this summer in 2023, with the support of partners and our wonderful volunteers' team, we conducted a volunteer camp in the village of Moschun in the Kyiv region. This camp was implemented as part of the «Peacebuilding through Workcamps (PEWO)» project and co-financed by Erasmus+.
Despite the challenges posed by the wartime situation, this was an exceptionally unique project. We took the risk, believing that we could succeed. This project turned out to be extraordinarily stimulating and beneficial for all its participants.
In addition to the significant progress achieved in the village of Moschun, the project also proved to be highly productive on a psychological level. Our routine weekdays, filled with work, often transformed into meaningful conversations with local residents who shared their life stories from the first weeks of russian full-scale invasion and throughout this one and a half year of war, allowing us to feel their support.
During this workcamp, we managed to help the village to repair roads, bridges, and a children’s playground, assisted local residents in rebuilding their destroyed yards and painted the walls in renovated houses.
Our free time was dedicated to exploring various places in the Kyiv region, fostering cultural exchange, and self-reflection.
Over the course of two weeks, we had a program that provided international volunteers with a better understanding of Ukrainian culture and the current situation, while allowing Ukrainian volunteers to strengthen their connections with their native culture. The activities included:
Meetings with long-term volunteers from our association from France and Germany, engaging in discussions with them.
Visiting a festival of Ukrainian culture in the city of Pereyaslav.
Meeting with volunteers from the NGO «Brave To Rebuid» for an exchange of experiences during a joint evening event.
Gathering at the «Vich-na-Vich» book hub in Hostomel, opened by activist Margarita Sichkar.
An evening of Ukrainian authentic dance.
Workshop on making traditional dumplings (varenyky).
Workshop on creating motanka dolls.
Our walks through the villages of Kyiv region not only revealed the scars of war ruins but also ignited hope for their eventual restoration. The project concluded with optimism that places like this village will not be forgotten.
The positive impact of this volunteer camp wouldn’t have been possible without this superb group of volunteers from different countries who joined us in supporting the process of Ukraine’s recovery through practical efforts. We gained more friends along the way.
We thank NGOs «Solidarités Jeunesses», «Svi Asbl — Service Volontaire International», «Volunteers For Peace» for sending volunteers and express sincere gratitude to our partner organizations «INEX — Sdružení dobrovolných aktivit» and «IBG Workcamps», whose support and initiative played a crucial role in making this project a reality!
