A year after the success of welcoming children from Kalynyvka, a small town in the Vinnytsia region of Ukraine, Sainte-Menehould in France’s Grand Est region has renewed this enriching initiative.
This partnership, initiated by Stand With Ukraine and fostered by the solidarity of Sainte-Menehould’s residents and its mayor, Bertrand Courot, highlights the importance of cultural and humanitarian exchanges, especially during times of war.
This year, Sainte-Menehould hosted a group of 46 Ukrainian teenagers aged 15 to 18, three of whom had participated in the program the previous year. They were accompanied by four Ukrainian adults, along with Marianne Aubriet, director of the nature and environment center “Le Val d’Ante” in Givry-en-Argonne, and Hakim Kitouni, a nature and sports activity coordinator.
For these young Ukrainians, the trip to France represents far more than a simple vacation. Over the course of several days, they are given a rare sense of tranquility, far from the air raid sirens and the daily stress caused by the ongoing war in their country. By welcoming these children, Sainte-Menehould offers them a safe environment where they can temporarily experience a sense of normalcy.
Once again, Sainte-Menehould opened its arms and hearts to Ukrainian children, demonstrating the power of international solidarity. This act of hospitality is not just a humanitarian gesture but also a form of resistance against indifference—a way of showing these children they are not forgotten.
During their stay, the teenagers were housed at a dedicated center, where they participated in a variety of activities, including swimming, pottery, fishing, treetop climbing, and basketball. They also visited iconic sites such as Reims Cathedral and Disneyland Paris.
The cultural exchanges between the two towns allowed the Ukrainian children to experience a new culture, build international friendships, and broaden their horizons. At the same time, the French community gained valuable insights into a different reality, strengthening bonds of fraternity that transcend borders.
This year’s program had a special dimension, as the children were immersed in the excitement of the Paris 2024 Olympic Games. They visited the Ukrainian Olympic House, Volia Space, located in the heart of the Parc des Nations. This symbolic venue allowed the youth to experience the passion of the Games while supporting Ukrainian athletes, who, despite immense challenges, continue to represent their country with pride and have already won several medals.
Renewing this initiative a year after its initial success underscores the commitment of Sainte-Menehould and Kalynyvka to keeping this solidarity alive. Such exchanges are vital for bringing light into the lives of children affected by war while fostering a culture of peace, friendship, and understanding across generations and borders.
Photos : Charles Abbatucci
