First-graders of the Shyrokivska Secondary School of grades I-III plunged into the fascinating world of swallows at a lesson from IRCEF eco-trainer Yurina Klyap, which took place as part of the project “Birdwatching as an element of nature therapy”.
The children learned who swallows are, where they can be seen and what place these birds occupy in Ukrainian culture. The teacher talked about the types of swallows common in Ukraine. With great interest, the students watched a video about building nests, feeding and caring for swallows for their chicks.
With the help of the teacher, the children compared bird species by habitat, appearance and nesting method. And in the practical part, they created a three-dimensional application of a swallow from paper – their small contribution to getting acquainted with nature.
Such classes are of particular importance at a time when Ukraine continues to recover from the consequences of the war. Communicating with nature, birdwatching, and getting to know the world around them contribute to children’s emotional rehabilitation, help reduce anxiety, and restore a sense of harmony and security. Nature becomes an important source of support that helps children strengthen their psychological resilience and look to the future with optimism.
The event was held with the participation of children with musculoskeletal and nervous system disorders within the framework of the partnership of the Interreligious and environmental civil forum of Eastern Europe (IRCEF) with the Commission on Ecology of the Mukachevo Greek Catholic Diocese and the environmental protection units of the Churches, with the support of the Archdiocese of Bamberg (Erzbistum Bamberg).
IRCEF Information Service
