For children who live with air-raid sirens, shelling and uncertainty, a few days of peace can mean much more than just a summer break. From June 28 to July 2, we welcomed 20 children to Batyovo, Zakarpattia, for a psychosocial recovery camp that gave them something that should be normal for every child: time to feel safe, make friends, discover new things, laugh and simply enjoy being children.

Some of our young guests came from Marhanets in the Dnipropetrovsk region, a community close to the frontline where the war is part of everyday life. Other participants came from our Batyovo community, including children from families of veterans, active service members, fallen defenders and internally displaced people.

Together with VESTED, we created a varied five-day programme combining psychosocial support, creativity, learning, movement and, most importantly, time together. The children painted, experimented, made slime, played team games and spent time outdoors. They visited a lake, discovered the geology of the Carpathians and took part in activities designed to strengthen trust, emotional awareness and self-confidence.

But perhaps the most important part of these days was not any single activity. It was the feeling of being together. Children who had never met before learned to cooperate, support each other and become a team. New friendships were formed, and for a few days the sounds and worries of war could move into the background.

For us at Tabula Rasa for the Future Generation, creating such spaces is an important part of our work. Children affected by war need more than education and material support. They need positive experiences, friendships, opportunities to discover their strengths and moments in which they can simply be children.

We are especially grateful to our long-standing partner Science4People, whose support made it possible for the children to participate by funding their travel, accommodation and meals. We would also like to thank VESTED, all teachers, accompanying adults and everyone who helped make these five days possible.

When the children returned home, they took much more with them than memories of games, workshops and excursions. They took home new friendships, confidence, positive emotions and the knowledge that they are not alone. In times of war, five peaceful days cannot change everything. But they can give a child strength, hope and memories to hold on to.

And this is exactly why we will continue.