Hrinchenko Kyiv City Pedagogical University recently hosted the gala concert “Colors of Hope” that marked the end of the Kyiv City Festival for Children and Youth with Special Needs “Have Confidence in Yourself!”
This project involved children from Kyiv’s Obolon residential district and was designed to build their self-confidence and prove to others that they were talented communal members despite their physical condition. This competition is annually organized by the special Center for Social and Psychological Rehabilitation of Physically Handicapped Children and Young People in the Obolon district. This is a competition with a regular agenda, except that the contestants are different.
During the qualifiers the young contenders demonstrated their talents in a variety of nominations ranging from singing to making figures of salty dough. The competent jury (made up of music school teachers, artists, and social workers) selected the best works. The Day’s journalist was a member of the jury, not for the first time, which judged poetry and prose. Unfortunately, few written pieces were submitted, but all of them had one thing in common: a passionate love for life. There were no aggressive or depressive moods, only a positive worldview. One could only wonder at the ability of these children to cope with so many negative realities caused by their physical condition and at their desire to work and create. Some of the works submitted were genuine masterpieces. Of course, the children were helped by their parents, social workers, and friends.
The final gala concert was a spectacular show owing to the organizers’ determined, dedicated effort. Needless to say, there were sponsors who made sure that the children’s festival had a gift-presenting ceremony. Merited Artist of Ukraine Oleh Martzenkivsky, a veteran guest to the festival, told The Day: “I’ve spent a number of years working with children’s organizations, competitions, and festivals that organize these kinds of children’s projects. Children’s audience is the best that there is for me as a singer and member of the jury, because these children are so sincere and never conceal their emotions.”
The Day took part in the festive ceremony. Serhii Chapurkin, winner in the author’s poetry and prose nomination, received a present from this newspaper’s Library Series, a copy of the two-volume Extrakt 150.
There is a volunteers club attached to the social service that organizes this festival. These people are always willing to lend the teachers a helping hand where and whenever necessary, thus changing their own life in addition to serving a good cause. Says Maryna Borysova, a college student: “I’ve been a volunteer the last three years. I joined the service because of my inner need to help fellow humans who need this help. I can’t explain the reason, but there has always been this subconscious desire to help children.”
There are subjects like social rehabilitation on the post-secondary curricula, but such training isn’t enough for working in the social sphere. It also takes a kind heart and sincere love for children. Natalia Shchelkunova, the center’s teacher of singing, admits that she actually enjoys her job. “I feel euphoric about such projects,” she says smiling happily. Aren’t we fortunate to have people who are so enthusiastic about their job? Considering the token money the social workers are being paid, certain traits are the crucial factor.
Most women become social workers not because of their training but because they have their own problems, like ailing children or relatives. They sacrifice their career, spare no time or effort, and forget about their cherished dreams to struggle for the life and health of their close and dear ones. Anyway, a child’s health is worth such sacrifices. These festivals are another attempt to attract public attention to the creative talents of children and young people with special needs and prove that their physical condition is not the final verdict but another problem that has to be combated and overcome.
