Gozo Region and Gozitan Local Councils have collaborated to host a transformative summer camp for Ukrainian children.
In a heartwarming display of international solidarity, the Gozo Regional Council, in partnership with several Gozitan Local Councils, arranged the successful organisation of a summer activity camp tailored towards a group of children aged 11 to 14, coming from affected regions in Ukraine.
This noteworthy initiative, sanctioned by the European Committee of the Regions and the Association of Ukrainian Cities, stands as a beacon of hope for children affected by the ongoing conflict in Ukraine.
The Gozo Regional Council explained that the primary objective of this initiative is to extend a compassionate hand to these young souls who have endured the ravages of war in their homeland.
Under the aegis of the European Committee of the Regions and the Association of Ukrainian Cities, the Gozo Regional Council, along with dedicated support from Gozitan Local Councils, fully funded a respite in the form of a 7-day summer camp in Gozo.
“This serves as an avenue to not only provide these children with a welcome reprieve from the distressing circumstances they face but also to offer vital psychological support to stabilise their emotional well-being,” the Council said.
The organised programme strived to facilitate their transition away from the trauma of war and towards a brighter future.
At its core, The Gozo Regional Council said that the initiative aspires to create a haven of safety and normality for these young participants. “Through a structured daily routine, they are granted the opportunity to regain their sense of confidence and optimism.”
It stressed that “the goal is to help them rediscover a semblance of normality while nurturing a renewed sense of belonging within the European community.”
With a focus on outdoor activities, sports, and rehabilitation exercises, the summer camp took on a holistic approach to improving both the physical and mental health of the participants.
In addition, the camp included an exciting element of exploration as the children embark on sightseeing ventures in the picturesque surroundings of Gozo.
The Gozo Regional Council stated that, “this promises to be an avenue for cultural exchange and a chance for these young visitors to create lasting memories in a new and unfamiliar setting.”
The president of the region, Dr Samuel Azzopardi commented, “hosting these young Ukrainian citizens is testimony to the European values our region Gozo and its residents stand for.”
He stressed that, “we are behind the Ukrainian people in this period of strife and war on European soil. Our local councils’ commitment to this shows the strong values ingrained in our communities.”
Nine Local Councils from the Gozo Region participated in this initiative and these councils funded catering for the eleven youths.
The Local Councils that participated in this initiative are Victoria, Ghajnsielem, Gharb, Ghasri, Kercem, Munxar, Qala, San Lawrenz and Zebbug.
Each Council showed the youths around their perspective locality and organised fun activities such as swimming, games and even tours around the island.
The Gozo Regional Council and the supporting Gozitan Local Councils expressed their “heartfelt gratitude” to the European Committee of the Regions and the Association of Ukrainian Cities for making this impactful initiative a reality.
This collaborative effort extended a helping hand to those in need and exemplifies the potential of global partnerships to bring about positive change, the Gozo Regional Council said.