Their initial aim was to familiarize themselves with the diverse world of birds under the guidance of Leonid Pokrytyuk, an expert from the Interreligious and Civil Environmental Forum of Eastern Europe. However, an unexpected long-term air raid alarm disrupted the visit, compelling all visitors and volunteers to seek refuge in the bomb shelter on the center’s premises. In an effort to ease the anxiety of the youngest guests and make the most of their time in the shelter, Leonid Pokrytyuk proposed conducting a bird-themed class right there in the basement. The idea was warmly embraced by the ULA students, who enthusiastically took charge of the creative segment of the event. Mr. Pokrytyuk provided valuable insights to all participants, sharing information about the birds that stay in Transcarpathia during the winter, offering tips on caring for birds in cold weather and guiding the children on creating bird feeders. He asked the youngsters to describe their own interactions with these birds on the streets and what they had fed them, drawing on their own experiences of assisting birds stranded by cold or unable to migrate for various reasons.
The students got the unique opportunity to “draw” their favorite birds using a salt watercolor method during the creative class. The ULA students guided the participants through the procedure, first drawing a picture on cardboard using stationery glue and then liberally sprinkling it with salt. After shaking off the excess salt, the process was repeated until the adhesive was completely coated. The most interesting step began when the glue dried: coloring, with Leonid aiding in recognizing certain bird species in the pictures.
This unexpected class not only provided the children with valuable insights into the biodiversity of birds in Transcarpathia but also offered a creative outlet using natural materials to craft unique postcards. Most importantly, it allowed the participants to pass the time in safety and tranquility, turning an unforeseen situation into a memorable learning experience.
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
