War tests everyone, but children who grow up in times of instability feel the changes in the world especially acutely. They see suffering around them, feel the pain of loss and the uncertainty of the future. But at the same time, war brings out the best in people—the ability to empathize, help, and change the lives of others. Sometimes these changes start with seemingly small actions that actually make a huge difference.
In Cherkasy, schoolchildren proved that even in difficult times it is possible to give warmth to those who need it. They set out to build shelters for stray cats and dogs and create bird feeders using only recycled materials. It became a real mission to warm those who cannot take care of themselves.
How the initiative came about
The idea belongs to Yaryna Pasichnyk, a student of the physics and mathematics lyceum, who together with biology teacher Yulia Bulava founded the ecological circle “Ekos”. Students of the seventh and eleventh grades quickly joined the initiative, who decided that they could change the world around them not only with words, but also with actions.
Every day their project gained momentum. They understood: winter for homeless animals is not just cold, but a struggle for survival. Without a warm corner, without shelter from rain, snow and wind, they often do not survive until spring. That is why the children decided to do everything possible to help those who cannot ask for it themselves. About it on Facebook wrote zoo volunteer Oksana Savitska.
A creative approach to help
What to do if there are no large funds or opportunities to buy materials? Cherkasy schoolchildren found the answer – to use what is already around us. For the houses, they used old wooden pallets, Styrofoam, cardboard, bottles, and unnecessary clothes. All this, it would seem, is waste that often ends up in the trash. But in the hands of children, these things turned into warm homes for cats and dogs.
“Pallets, cardboard, styrofoam, bottles or old clothes can become materials for warm houses. In the cold season, helping homeless animals becomes critical.” – said Oksana Savitska, who supported the schoolchildren’s initiative.
Photo: Facebook/Oksana Savitska
Students not only made shelters, but also found safe places for them. They placed their works in Cherkasy and neighboring settlements, relying on the advice of local animal rights activists. So they made sure that the houses were accessible to animals and at the same time did not create conflicts with communal services or city residents.
Photo: Facebook/Oksana Savitska
This initiative is a manifestation of kindness created by children. They learn not to remain indifferent, to see problems and find solutions. They understand that small actions make a big difference. In a world where there is so much injustice, they chose the path of caring. And it is these actions that make the world a better place.
