In Irpin, children are taught gratitude: a visit to the "Kazka" kindergarten that instills respect for defenders
The Memorialization Sector of the Irpin City Council conducted a themed tour for children from the "Kazka" kindergarten. We explain why such initiatives are not merely an emotional gesture but part of the long-term work to restore civic solidarity after 2022.
By Tetiana Suchkova-Ladik
March 27, 2026 · 1 min read
What happened
Sector of Memorialization of the Department of Culture of the Irpin City Council organized a thematic excursion for the community's youngest residents — pupils of the "Kazka" kindergarten. The event was simple in form but purposeful in content: through narratives accessible to children, they explained what respect, trust and gratitude toward Ukraine's defenders mean.
Why it matters
Shaping value orientations begins early. After the events of 2022, local memory and shared narratives became an important part of the community's recovery. This excursion was not a random initiative but a deliberate step toward restoring the social fabric: the children received clear examples of how every contribution — even a small one — matters for the common future.
"We tried to speak simply and honestly: about heroism, about support, and about how important it is to be a responsible member of the community. This is an investment in future generations."
— representative of the Sector of Memorialization of the Department of Culture of the Irpin City Council
How it took place
The excursion included short stories, visual materials, and interactive tasks adapted to preschoolers' age. Organizers emphasized the role of each person in the victory and the country's future, citing the events of 2022 as an example of collective resilience. Educators and cultural representatives worked together to present complex topics in an accessible way.
Outcomes and outlook
Such initiatives help create mechanisms for long-term civic solidarity: they do not replace policy or school education, but they add local context and empathy. The question is whether these programs will become regular practice in communities and whether they can systematically strengthen social cohesion.
This event is an example of how cultural institutions work on recovery through simple but thoughtful steps. Will that be enough to change long-term narratives in the community? The answer depends on the consistency of actions and support from the community and partners.
