To reaffirm its solidarity with the Ukrainian people, the 18th arrondissement of Paris welcomed 20 children from Kyiv to spend their holidays in Paris, offering them a few days of escape from the war in Ukraine. This trip was made possible thanks to the partnership established between the 18th arrondissement and the Podil district in Kyiv, initiated under the auspices of Stand With Ukraine.
From October 27 to November 5, the young Ukrainians shared a memorable stay with children from the 18th arrondissement. The activities were diverse and enriching. The children explored the beauty of Paris, visited Parc Astérix, and even spent two days in Normandy, where they discovered Mont Saint-Michel.
It was an extraordinary experience that the young people from the 18th will also remember for a long time.
At a small party held at the 18th arrondissement’s town hall, bringing together the children of Podil and the 18th, Eric Lejoindre, Mayor of the arrondissement, addressed the guests: “It is a great joy to welcome you here for these well-deserved vacation days. Paris remains united with the Ukrainians.”
This initiative is part of a broader effort of cooperation between French and Ukrainian cities. For example, in July, 20 children from the Pechersk district in Kyiv were hosted by the 15th arrondissement of Paris. Last August, Saint-Menehould hosted 50 children from Kalynyvka, and Ploeuc-l’Hermitage received children from Ovroutch.
These exchanges help strengthen the ties between the cities of Kyiv and Paris, and new cooperation projects are already being prepared for 2024.
