Six hundred children from the Ukrainian city of Bucha went on summer camps across Greece this summer.
Bucha, near Kyiv, has become a symbol of the cruelty of the war in Ukraine. In March, 458 bodies were found after the withdrawal of Russian forces among them were 12 children.
Over 20 people escorted the children which were aged between six and 15 from Ukraine to the summer camps in Greece, Euronews reported.
“Our children have not been able to live a normal life since February,” said Olga Trempoltseva, one of the people who escorted the children.
“Here, in Greece, we got joy, a good mood, the sun, the swimming pool, the air, the sea. We are happy.”
Children were accommodated in six camps in Halkidiki, in northern Greece; in Peloponnese, in the southern part of the country; and in the region of Attica, about 40 minutes from Athens.
The children learned horse riding, archery, rock climbing and swam in the camps’ pools. They went on educational excursions to museums and archaeological sites.
Camp officials are aware that they cannot erase the agonising memories of the war but, they hoped they could provide a few days of freedom and peace.
“Our goal is to make them forget the war in Ukraine but I don’t know if that’s possible… we’re doing the best we can,” said Magda Katsipanoy, a camp leader.
“They also make new friends, and we hope that they will stay in touch with their new buddies, when they go back home.”
Ukrainian and Russian speaking translators are on the sites to help with communication.
“For me, as the head of this team, it is an unprecedented experience. Communication is not easy, we don’t speak their language,” said Vasilis Dontos, a team leader.
“But with translators we managed to get close. Some children remember images of the war and get upset and often burst into tears. Soon, they found their spirits and return to the sports they love so much.”
After their stay, the children will return to Ukraine.
