A forest is not merely a place for a stroll; it is a true home for many wild animals—a place where every inhabitant has its own space and requires peace and protection. This was the central theme of an ecological puppet show, organized by IERS eco-trainer Oksana Melnyk with second-grade students from Vynohradiv General Education School No. 1 (Levels I–III).

Using a special set of eco-theater puppets, the children embarked on an exciting forest adventure, meeting characters such as a Bunny, a Squirrel, a Wolf, a Deer, a Hedgehog, a Bear, and a Crow. The story’s protagonist, a boy named Petryk, enters the forest and—through his noisy behavior—frightens the inhabitants; he even attempts to take a little Hedgehog home with him.

The forest dwellers help Petryk understand why one should not disturb wild animals, destroy their homes, make loud noises in the forest, or remove creatures from their natural habitat. The highlight of the performance was an interactive game in which the children, together with the Bear, identified which actions are acceptable and which might cause harm to nature.

Such interactive sessions help foster an ecological mindset in children, cultivating kindness, sensitivity, and a sense of responsibility for Creation. After all, being a friend to nature means respecting its inhabitants, leaving them in peace, and helping to preserve their homes.

The event took place within the framework of a partnership between the Interreligious and Environmental Civil Forum of Eastern Europe (IRCEF), the Commission for Ecology of the Mukachevo Greek Catholic Eparchy, and the environmental units of the Churches, with the support of the Archdiocese of Bamberg (Erzbistum Bamberg).

IRCEF Information Service