Children’s Day at St Mary’s Ukrainian School: ‘We Can Dream Again’

Children’s Day at St Mary’s Ukrainian School: ‘We Can Dream Again’ Mariya Dykalo joined St Mary’s Ukrainian School in London, on International Children’s Day to lead the pupils in a Creative Art Therapy session. This was a special project dear to Mariya's heart as these children aged between five and ten, have all been affected by the war in their homeland and are now in London studying at the school. The Creative Art Therapy session was designed to foster resilience, curiosity, and a lifelong love of creative learning in a safe environment for children living in a new country and learning a new language. Mariya worked with the children to create a collage which has been named ‘We Can Dream Again'.

On June 1st, many countries celebrate Children’s Day, a day that holds special significance for St Mary’s Ukrainian School.

Mariya Dykalo joined St Mary’s Ukrainian School in London, on International Children’s Day to lead the pupils in a Creative Art Therapy session. This was a special project dear to Mariya’s heart as these children aged between five and ten, have all been affected by the war in their homeland and are now in London studying at the school, many separated from their families. The Creative Art Therapy session was  designed to inspire hope and reassure the children, whilst allowing them a safe space to explore dreams and concerns. Art Therapy aims to foster resilience, curiosity, and a lifelong love of creative learning. Mariya led the session in Ukrainian and shared her own story of coming to the UK, creating a comfortable environment for children living in a new country and learning a new language. Mariya worked with the children to create a collage which has been named ‘We Can Dream’. Through their drawings, the children expressed their dreams for the future and their wish for peace in Ukraine, to return to their pets, their homes, and to be reunited with their families. By combining and arranging all the children’s artwork as a collage against a backdrop painted by Mariya, this powerful piece unifies not only their individual aspirations but also their shared hope for a return to safety, normalcy, and childhood in Ukraine. The bright colours against a backdrop inspired by planet earth, it captures the beauty of childhood imagination and spirit, buoyant even in the face of adversity. To raise funds for the school, Aspinal of London has created a silk scarf of ‘We Can Dream’ with all proceeds going to St. Mary’s Ukrainian School.

 

 

©Mariya Dykalo 2024