On October 5th, the Mukachevo Children’s Library played host to a captivating and enlightening event that left an indelible mark on the young students of Mukachevo Lyceum No. 10. This occasion was thoughtfully scheduled to coincide with the celebration of World Animal Day, traditionally observed on October 4th. World Animal Day is more than just a celebration; it serves as a poignant reminder of our profound responsibility towards nature and all its inhabitants. This special day is dedicated to several crucial objectives: preventing the extinction of animal species, safeguarding their natural habitats, enhancing the welfare of animals, combating illegal hunting and wildlife trafficking, and eradicating cruelty towards animals. As we observed this day, the third-grade students were provided with a unique opportunity to delve into the world of Carpathian nature and actively engage in its preservation.
The library staff, consisting of Ms. Alyona Dyord, the Deputy Director for Children’s Services at the Mukachevo City Library for Children, and Alla Tovtyn, played pivotal roles in enlightening the students. They emphasized the significance of the Red Book of Ukraine and showcased a diverse collection of literature covering a wide array of environmental topics. Following this, Iryna Shyshkina, an expert at the Institute of Ecological and Religious Studies (IERS) and an eco-trainer, conducted an in-depth presentation about the fauna and flora of the Carpathian area. She underscored the importance of the Red Book of Ukraine, elucidated the roles of national parks and reserves in Ukraine, and drew the children’s attention to the peculiarities of this crucial document. Importantly, she addressed the issue of nature preservation during times of war and stressed the need to care for and feed birds during the harsh winter months—an especially relevant topic for budding naturalists.
Under the attentive guidance of their after-school educator, Natalia Nazarchuk, the third-graders eagerly engaged in a diverse array of captivating and educational activities. They deciphered riddles about Carpathian animals and closely examined their descriptions, thus nurturing their cognitive faculties and enhancing their comprehension of nature-related information. Furthermore, the students actively participated in a medley of games and competitions designed to deepen their understanding of the animal kingdom and environmental concerns, such as the quest for hidden words related to birds. The highlights of the event included enthralling games like “Wintering Birds” and “Whose Beak Is This?” drawn from didactic materials collaboratively developed by the Institute of Ecological and Religious Studies, the Transcarpathian Regional Ecological and Naturalistic Center for Student Youth (TRENCSY), and the German Nature Conservation Union (NABU).
As the event drew to a close, each student received a delightful eco-coloring book titled “Stepan’s Adventures in Kvadratlandia” which imparts valuable lessons on proper household waste management. However, the day’s rewards did not conclude there; the library’s dedicated staff also received a trove of educational materials from the Institute of Ecological and Religious Studies. These materials will serve as invaluable resources for forthcoming educational sessions and informational classes, aiming to raise environmental awareness among young readers and engage them in the cause of environmental conservation. We extend our heartfelt gratitude to the library for their invaluable contributions to the education and development of the younger generation, providing them with the opportunity to broaden their horizons and grasp the significance of preserving our natural world.
The event was held within the framework of cooperation between the Interreligious and Civil Environmental Forum of Eastern Europe (IRCEF) headed by Olexander Bokotey) and the German Nature Conservation Union (NABU Bundesverband, NABU International), project coordinators Ivan Tymofeiev (NABU), and Nataliya Kulya (IRCEF).
Informational Service of IRCEF
