The Partnership Action East (PaOst), Relief Agency for Eastern Europe in the Diocese of Magdeburg, and the European Youth Education Centre (EJBM) have invited 50 children and young people, together with their accompanying persons, from Kharkiv, Ukraine, to a youth exchange in Magdeburg as part of the project “One Week of Peace 2.0”.

The guests will arrive on Friday 15 August and will spend until Saturday 23 August enjoying a relaxing and peaceful time in Magdeburg, far away from the war-torn everyday life in their home city.

The EJBM is providing accommodation for the children and young people from Ukraine free of charge. Over 250 private individuals from all over Germany and Lithuania have donated to cover catering and programme costs. PaOst has covered the travel expenses from Kharkiv to Magdeburg and back. The project also receives support from the Association of German Educational Organisations (AdB).

In cooperation with many volunteers and numerous European volunteers, PaOst and the EJBM are organising the leisure and recreation programme for the children.

The Ukrainian children and young people will take part in various workshops on the theme “Living European Values”, including an action-bound activity in Magdeburg, an art project, and a “DIY T-shirt Printing” workshop. They will also enjoy time at Lake Plattensee in Gommern.

To cope with the profound changes in their lives, the Ukrainian children and young people attend a dance school in their home country. Dancing helps them process uncertainty and fears. As a token of thanks for the invitation and care in Magdeburg, the children and young people of the dance theatre have brought two dance performances with them.

For all those interested, for all supporters, and for all donors who made the “One Week of Peace” project possible, we warmly extend our invitation to the following dance performances:

on Saturday 16 August at 1:00 pm in the Great Hall of the Gesellschaftshaus, Schönebecker Str. 129, 39104 Magdeburg (as part of the Choral Festival)

and

on Sunday 17 August at 3:00 pm in the parish hall of the Parish of St Mary, Rottersdorfer Str. 9A, 39112 Magdeburg. Following the dance performance, there will be a social afternoon with coffee and cake from 4:00 pm. Telephone: +49 175 270 8350 (Rasa Hinz).

Further reading

“One Week of Peace": Children and young people from Kharkiv (Ukraine) visit EJBM