Students from PADIUN’s Department of Ecology and Environmental Work participated enthusiastically in the All-Ukrainian Children’s and Youth Ecological and Patriotic Game, “Parostok,” with the motto “With Ukraine in the Heart”. The event, held in collaboration with the Interreligious and Civil Environmental Forum of Eastern Europe (IRCEF), had a profound purpose: to mold each child into a devoted citizen-patriot of Ukraine, guided by national and European values and driven to engage in proactive environmental endeavors.
The IRCEF eco-trainer, Oksana Kremin, initiated the game by engaging in a dialogue about the significance of human actions in preserving the natural heritage of their homeland, even during times of war in Ukraine. She then outlined the rules and guidelines for the competition. Throughout the event, the young environmentalists engaged in team-based challenges across various modules, including patriotic tasks like “National Clothes of Ukrainians” and “Secret Alphabet: Taras Shevchenko’s Sayings,” ecological activities such as “Eco-Painting with Natural Materials,” intellectual exercises like “Logic Chain,” cognitive games such as “Eco-Memory,” scientific research involving “Native and Relict Plants of the Arboretum,” and ornithological tasks focused on “Observing Birds in the Arboretum.” Participants devoted their efforts to solving intriguing ecological puzzles, examining the diverse tree and shrub species within the arboretum, and showcasing their knowledge of the avian inhabitants of the Transcarpathian region, all while transitioning between different locations.
An hour filled with joy, enthusiasm, a positive atmosphere, empathy, leadership, and, ultimately, the sweet taste of victory encapsulated the essence of the “Parostok” game. The event concluded with the exchange of unforgettable impressions, leaving a lasting impact on all those who participated.
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).
Oksana Kremin,
Head of the Department of Ecology and Environmental Protection at PADIUN and IERS expert
