December 16, 2015 (unhcr.org.ua) UNHCR together with
Embassy of Sweden and pupils from Adolf Fredrik Music School Chidren Choir in Stockholm organize winter
holiday celebration for displaced children in Kyiv. The Choir made its first,
much-appreciated performance on December 16 at School No 104 in Pushcha Voditsya, not
far from Kyiv. This is one of the schools that have received a lot of children
from families which had to flee the conflict in Eastern Ukraine and Crimea during the year. In his speech before the
performance, Ambassador Andreas von Beckerath pointed out that Lucia is a
tradition that gives light and hope in dark and hard times.
«Saint Lucia
is first and foremost a celebration of light and hope. Lucia is a bearer of
light in the cold and dark Swedish winters. We celebrate it to remind ourselves
that light will overcome darkness. By celebrating Lucia here in Kiev and by having the
choir singing, we hope to send the same message to the Ukrainian people. A
message of hope and faith for the future, and most importantly a message of
solidarity and support during these difficult times», said Ambassador of Sweden to Ukraine, Mr. Andreas von Beckerath.
The choir performed traditional
Swedish Lucia songs, a tradition which is similar to St. Nicola’s Day in Ukraine.
For the event in Kyiv young singers were beautifully costumed in white dresses,
flower wreaths and held lightened candles. The choir sang traditional songs,
which, according to the beliefs, force dark spirits to step away after the
longest winter night.
The speech of the Ambassador was
followed by welcome words from UNHCR Regional Representative in Belarus, Moldova
and Ukraine
Mr. Oldrich Andrysek:
«Especially this year, let us
remember about the kids, who will not be able to celebrate these our favorite
winter holidays at their homes with all the relatives and parent or will not
celebrate them at all. I am talking about those children who had to flee their
homes in Donbas or Crimea searching for more safe places in Ukraine for
living. Here is what: let’s try to help these kids, maybe they are your
classmates or you just know them, let them feel a bit happier and share our
friendship and care which you receive daily from your fellows. When you grow up
and become older I wish all of you to do all you can to make your country
united and a real home for all who live here», commented UNHCR Regional Representative in
Belarus, Moldova and Ukraine Mr. Oldrich Andrysek.In November, the Government of Sweden has supported
Ukraine
with EUR 4.9 million euros for humanitarian assistance and early recovery.
UNCHR is grateful for the generous donation of EUR 1.6 million provided by the
Embassy for the needs of internally displaced persons (IDPs) from the east of Ukraine and Crimea.
This funding will help UNHCR to secure core relief items, winterization
assistance, construction materials for repairs and address other immediate
needs in the conflict affected areas.
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