Summer of 2024. The White Danube, a picturesque town, is becoming a place of extraordinary events for us. Meetings during which we can experience how hope is born where in the youngest hearts war has imprinted its mark.
Smile through tears – children who have seen besides much
The “Health Children of Ukraine” programme, the Rotary Club Zamość Ordynack initiative, supported by the American Common Man for Ukraine Foundation, has been reaching out for over a decade to children affected by a war nightmare. Here, in the White Danube, we meet children between 8 and 12 years old, who thanks to people of good will came to Poland for respective days. besides young to realize the cruelty of the conflict, besides experienced to forget it. Orphans, children who lost their parents, small witnesses of aggression. Their eyes paint echoes of explosions, fear and longing.
We see the sparks of hope flowing through these memories. Eighteen days of remainder in Poland is simply a priceless gift for them to put out the memory of war reality.
Meeting that leaves a mark – closeness, support, smile
During our stay, we witnessed moving scenes. Since the first Tuesday evening in the White Danube, we feel an extraordinary atmosphere. Conversations with pedagogical staff, attention to all item of children's stay, planned attractions and excursions, care for wellbeing and adaptation. scientist Marina shares observations from therapy, and doctor Oksana discusses circumstantial wellness problems. Students from fresh Hampshire join us – volunteers who take their time to accompany children in all activity.
We are delighted to see the caring care of the children. Everyone devotedly works to give these small people a sense of safety and support. Psychologists aid them deal with hard emotions, treat wounds caused by war.
Small hands, large emotions – art as therapy
The Wednesday morning is painted with the colors of children's work. tiny hands are enthusiastically adorned with cups, dominated by Ukrainian flag colours, flowers and smiles. Children, focused and engaged, take large care of all detail.
In a useful archive we watch another children's drawings. It's scary to think about what they were reasoning erstwhile they made them. We admit airplanes, underground shelters, a large animal flying planes – possibly it was expected to beat them? Images that reflect the war experiences of children.
These small masterpieces reflect both childlike joy and traumatic memories. Flowers mix with war symbols, smiles intertwin with shadows of sadness. These drawings are windows to their souls, touching the testimonies of children's experiences. We are delighted to see the creative process and paper these moments.
After creative classes, the time came for fun – going to the swimming pools in Szaflar.
Meetings with the Governor, joint gymnastics and touching performances
On Thursday, we spent an evening together with the children and politician Krystyna Baj-Pawluk. politician Krystyna, announced by Ryszard Łuczyn and Yuri Basarab, greeted each and all 1 of her children with a tiny gift, told them about Rotara and how she wanted to meet them. The children were willing to make contact, approach, smile, and you could see that they wanted to talk, notice.
Friday morning we started a joint gymnast with music – to which we willingly joined. In addition to the joyful sky and sun shining children's faces, the bottoms of the children were waiting for further gifts: backpacks, hats and another gifts.
The children presented a moving show of flashmobu, or dance, which symbolized the children's journey to Poland and emphasized Ukraine's independence. The youngest prepared this performance together with the caretakers, especially for the independency Day of Ukraine.
After breakfast, the children went on a journey to Czorsztyna. During this time, we took care to prepare an exhibition of children's works, to accompany the Charitative performance on the occasion of the 10th anniversary of the task "Health of Children of Ukraine" in the Philharmonic in Katowice.
The choice of works that felt so many different emotions was highly difficult. As a reward, we received paintings of these children made on glass from Richard Łuczyn. We were besides helped by students from fresh Hampshire.
Another day and another gathering with politician Krystyna Baj-Pawluk. This time, children received beautifully published and framed books “ABC Empathy” in Ukrainian from Czepczyński Foundation along with backpacks. They are immersed in reading a textbook that received recommendations from the European Commission.
And as part of the rehearsals for the concert, we listened to the tears from the eyes of the song “There Behind the Silent Danube” from the opera “Zaporożec on the Danube”.
Empathy Bridges – American Aid, Polish Hearts
On Saturday morning, guests from the American Common Man for Ukraine Foundation arrived in the White Danube. It is the Foundation that has actively supported the task “Health of Children of Ukraine” since the beginning of the war. Alex, Lisa, Susan and Steven – people who not only coordinate fundraisers but personally supply humanitarian aid to Ukraine. We were greatly impressed by their same - sacrifice, empathy, loving attitude, and caring for their children. Their presence and support are very valuable to Rotara's actions.
Leaving the White Danube, we took with us the luggage of memories and a strong conviction of the importance of solidarity and assistance in the face of tragedy. We are committed to further reporting these activities and to raising awareness of the needs of children affected by the war. due to the fact that all child, wherever he is born, deserves a happy childhood, for love and safety.
Heart performance – solidarity that heals
It wasn't just a concert. On the 33rd anniversary of Ukraine's independency on 24 August 2024, a charity performance organized by the Silesian Philharmonic was held. Common Man for Ukraine, Rotary Club Zamość Ordynacki and territory 2231 Rotary global with support of Rotary Club Katowice.
It was an evening erstwhile music became a voice of hope, and the notes intertwined with beating hearts full of compassion and hope. The Charitative performance “Rotars for the wellness of Children of Ukraine” was a tribute to courage, a witness to solidarity and a reminder of the unbreakable strength of the human spirit.
The performance was besides the culmination of the decade of the Rotarian Children of Ukraine wellness Programme, which since 2014 have helped alleviate the war trauma of children of soldiers who died as a consequence of Russia's aggression against Ukraine. Among the guests of the performance were: Hans-Hermann Kasten Vice president Rotary global with his wife Nadja, Suzan Stenberg – manager of region 18 Rotary international, Jerzy Wcisła – Senator of the Republic of Poland, Scott Lang – typical of the United States Embassy, John Lynch – politician of the State of fresh Hampshire in the USA, Valencia Kuzmin Deputy Consul of the General Consulate of Ukraine in Krakow, Jarosław Honorary Consul of Georgia in Ukraine, Rafał Zwolak president of the City of Zamość, Birgit Osterwald president of Ostseeforum, Giennedij Krojchik – Past politician of territory 2232 Ukraine as well as representatives of Common Man for Ukraine from Rotary Club Plymouth, fresh Hampshire, USA: Susan Mathison, Lisa Mure, Steven Rand and Alex Rey.
The performance was besides attended by the governors of territory 2231 Rotary Poland: Barbara Pawlisz, Piotr Jankowski, Andrzej Ludek, Janusz Potępa and Marek Wcisło and Greg Gregorczyk politician Elekt and Michał Sowa politician Nominat territory 2231 Poland.
The Silesian Philharmonic Symphony Orchestra, under the baton of the magnificent Magdalena Pawlisz, introduced us to the planet of sounds, which from the first bars of Mozart's overture penetrated to the depths of the soul. Music brought with it a message of hope. Each note was like a promise of a better tomorrow, like a balm on the hearts of children who had experienced the cruelty of war besides early.
The voice of American mezzosopranist Claire McCahan, gentle and yet powerful, rose above the orchestra, touching the most tender strings of our hearts. Among the audience were exceptional guests – representatives of the authorities, diplomats, and above all... children from Ukraine who, thanks to the “Health Children of Ukraine” program, could at least for a minute forget about the trauma of war. Their presence was the most moving minute of the evening. Their smiles, though shy, proved that even in the darkest times there is hope.
The performance was besides accompanied by an exhibition called "The Colors of Life", presenting the artistic works of children of Ukrainian soldiers who died in the fight against the Russian aggressor. These works were created in the White Danube, during the stay of children in Poland as part of the task “Health of Children of Ukraine”.
Cumination and End
The performance culminated in the joint performance of the final from the opera “Zaporożec Behind the Danube” by Claire McCahan and children from Ukraine. This moving moment, full of symbolism and emotion, reminded us of the strength of unity and the importance of helping another man.
The performance ended with standing ovation. The audience, moved by music and children's stories, did not spare much applause. This evening reminded us of what is most crucial in life – about love, hope and solidarity.
"Rotars for the wellness of Children of Ukraine" is not only an aid scheme, it is simply a mission. A mission that has been going on for 10 years, bringing hope and support to those who request it most. The music that sounded that evening was a beautiful expression of this mission. She was the voice of children who lost their fathers but did not lose hope. She was an anthem in honor of those who bring aid and those who request it.
The performance cannot be written in words. But let it be an inspiration to all of us. Remind us that each of us can do something good for others.
Especially touching were the cheers for the Common Man for Ukraine Foundation and its founders – Lisa, Susan, Alex and Steven, honored for their invaluable help. Rotarianin Ryszard Łuczyn was named “King Richard the Lion Heart” – which was a symbolic culmination of his erstwhile large devotion and commitment to aid Ukrainian children.
Dorota and Jerzy Wcisła, RC Elbląg Centrum
Photo: Dorota and Jerzy Wcisła, RC Elbląg Centrum
Common Man for Ukraine This is simply a Rotary initiative in Plymouth (New Hampshire State, USA), funded by Alex Ray and thousands of generous Americans throughout the United States. 2 Rotarians, Alex Ray and Steve Rand, and their partners Lisa Mure and Susan Mathison launched this venture in March 2022 after the first Russian bombs fell on Ukraine. So far the Foundation has raised 3.5 million dollars. Together, in 3 countries, this Rotarian volunteer program provided more than 1,200 tons of food, sleeping bags and generators for children hiding in shelters and “orphans” throughout Ukraine.
“Common Man for Ukraine” cooperates with Rotary Club Zamość Ordynacki, organizing monthly rehabilitation tours for children who have lost fathers in the ongoing war in Ukraine; so far more than 700 children have participated in the tours.
