Sharing the experience of our first respite stay in Germany! ⠀
From July 10th to 22nd, we had the incredible opportunity to host 20 children from Odesa (Bolhrad) for a 12-day respite stay in the charming town of Ansbach, Germany. This initiative was a truly collaborative effort, made possible by the support of the Town-twinning office in Ansbach, Sparkasse Ansbach, Europe Prykhystok, and the Robert Bosch Stiftung. ⠀
The children, aged 10-16, along with four dedicated teachers from their local school, were treated to a variety of cultural, leisure, and recreational activities that made their stay unforgettable. They explored the Vogelinsel im Altmühlsee, enjoyed a scenic boat tour on the Seezentrum Schlungenhof, marveled at the wonders of the Delphinarium in Tiergarten Nürnberg, and spent sunny days at Freibad “Aquella.” They even had the chance to connect with local kids from TSV 1860 e.V. / Schwimmabteilung and experienced a guided tour of Ansbach, where they met the mayor, Thomas Deffner.
This respite stay was more than just a vacation. It was a transformative experience for the children. By the end of their stay, we noticed a significant positive change in their emotional and psychological well-being. The smiles and laughter that became more frequent each day were a testament to the healing power of this experience. New friendships blossomed not only among the children themselves but also with the local German kids they met along the way.
We want to extend our deepest gratitude to all the organizers and supporters who made this event possible. Your efforts have left a lasting impact on these children's lives, giving them a much-needed break from the realities of war and a glimpse into a world of friendship, joy, and cultural understanding. Together, we've made a difference, and we look forward to creating more moments of happiness for these resilient young souls in the future.
