The library of Synevyr Village played host to an educational event for children in honor of the All-Ukrainian Day of Libraries, aptly titled “Befriend a Book, Protect Nature.” The event was meticulously organized by an IERS expert, Lyubov Hrechyn, library administrator Olha Stets, and teacher Svitlana Kuruts. During the event, the organizers shared intriguing insights into the life of books and elucidated why preserving books is of paramount importance and their significance in the human experience. When discussing the connection between printed materials and the environment, the educators underscored just how much wood is required to craft a single book.
In response, the children enthusiastically brainstormed ideas on how to conserve natural resources, including initiatives like collecting and recycling waste paper or extending the lifespan of books through responsible handling. The students ultimately concluded that people should cherish books, including their school textbooks, and treat them with care to ensure they endure for as long as possible, thus preserving the countless trees in our forests – the Earth’s lungs. The children had a delightful and instructive time, gaining valuable insights into the world of books and libraries. They honed their communication skills through engaging discussions, and, no less importantly in today’s Ukraine, found a welcome respite from the burdens of war, anxiety, and daily concerns.
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
