The program is part of the “People of the Future” project run by the Ukrainian Coordination Staff for the Treatment of Prisoners of War, which provides educational, care, and international exchange opportunities for the children of prisoners of war, missing persons, unlawfully detained civilians, and fallen Ukrainian defenders. The young people, aged 14 to 16, thus belong to a group particularly affected by Russia’s war of aggression. “We are preparing our children for a life in peace. That is why it is important to remind them what a life without war means, to integrate them into the international community, and to encourage them to engage in international cooperation, exchange information, and acquire new skills,” said Viktoriia Tsymbaliuk, the coordinator on the Ukrainian side.

The goal of the program, developed by the partnership association, is to give the young people a time of rest, connection, and stabilization far from the daily reality of war—to provide them with strength, confidence, and wonderful shared experiences—in other words, a “vacation from war.” During their stay, they will be accompanied by qualified professionals and receive psychological support.

At the same time, a varied recreational program awaits the young people. Planned activities include a city scavenger hunt through Mainz, a boat ride on the Rhine with a visit to the Niederwald Monument, rock climbing, a trip to the Plopsaland amusement park in Haßloch, a visit to ZDF, sports activities, and group barbecues. Mayor Nino Haase will also personally welcome the young people during their stay.

The project is yet another visible sign of the vibrant partnership between Mainz and Odessa. Since the start of Russia’s war of aggression, citizens, organizations, institutions, and companies from Mainz have been supporting the people in their Ukrainian sister city.

The project is funded by the Beisheim Foundation, the Rhineland-Palatinate Ministry of Labor, Social Affairs, Women, Family, and Youth, the state capital of Mainz, the Winterberg Foundation, and the Toto-Lotto Foundation Rhineland-Palatinate.

Call for Donations
The organizers welcome further support from the public. Anyone who would like to help make the program possible can donate to the Mainz-Odessa Partnership Association (Partnerschaftsverein Mainz-Odessa e.V.) with the reference “Support for Odessa.”

Mainz-Odessa Partnership Association e.V.
Volksbank Darmstadt-Mainz
IBAN: DE38 5519 0000 0383 9710 17

Every donation helps give young people—who suffer daily from the consequences of the war and the regular airstrikes on their hometown—a few days of normalcy and carefree joy.