Ireland’s national day of creativity for children, Cruinniú na nÓg, will host a programme of events for Ukrainian children from craft classes to storytelling
Cruinniú na nÓg is Ireland’s national day of creativity for children and young people, and this year a range of free artistic activities are taking place for Ukrainian children and teenagers to participate in. With the programme of events spanning nationwide on June 11th, there is something in a nearby city, town, or village that welcomes young Ukrainians. Here, we have compiled a selection of activities taking place on the day, so if you are a family host, teacher, or know a Ukrainian family in your community, be sure to spread the word.
Craft classes in Cork
The Richmond Revival House in Fermoy is hosting a crafting class from 2pm to 3.30pm for young Ukrainians to create pottery pieces, collage creations, and dream catchers. Organised by Blackwater Ukrainian Solidarity Group, the class will be led by local artist Karen Clancy with a translator in attendance. There will also be a room available for parents and guardians to wait, chat, and have a cup of tea or coffee while the children get busy creating their works of art.
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Storytelling in Monaghan
A theatre workshop will explore different cultural legends and myths through storytelling, drama, and art at The Market House from 10am to 4pm. Open to young people aged 12 to 18 from Ukraine, Direct Provision, and other ethnic minority backgrounds living in the Irish community, the workshop will be a cultural exchange allowing young people to explore the heroes, villains, gods, and goddesses from their different backgrounds. They will decide on the stories shared, create performances, and paint a visual response as a backdrop to the performances. This workshop is facilitated by drama teacher and writer Eve Li and artist Leanne McLaughlin. Lunch will be provided on the day, and places can be booked through Eventbrite.ie.
Crafting Ukrainian dolls in Louth
Irish and Ukrainian children are invited to learn how to make traditional Ukrainian dolls at Drogheda Library from 11am to 12pm. The dolls will represent Berehynia, a goddess who is believed to protect the home. Traditionally in Ukraine, these dolls are created to bring luck and prosperity to one’s home and protect it from bad spirits. The children will create Berehynia dolls by using traditional Ukrainian doll-making techniques and all natural recyclable materials. The workshop will be led by Ukrainian artist Olga Duka, and it suitable for children aged nine to twelve. Places are limited and bookings can be made through Timify.com.
Circus fun in Galway
Ukrainians aged eight to seventeen are invited to take part in the Circus Open Day at St. Joseph’s Community Centre in Shantalla from 10am to 2pm. Organised by Galway Community Circus, tutors will teach participants some circus skills like juggling, acrobatics and balancing techniques. No specialist equipment is needed but those attending are asked to wear comfortable clothing. Places can be booked by emailing brady@galwaycircus.com with Cruinniú na nÓg in the subject line.
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Comic book creations in Offaly
Children aged nine to twelve can learn how to design their own comic book cover with local digital artist Marta Boniakowska in Birr Library. The English/Ukrainian bilingual workshop takes place from 10am to 11am, and children will learn how to create a character for the cover, alongside adding colour, action, and text. Once the creations have come to life, children can enter their comic book cover into the Create a Comic Book Cover competition, with their name and library card number. Places can be booked by ringing Birr Library on (057) 9124950 or emailing birrlibrary@offalycoco.ie
Online film festivities
A Children’s Film Festival will run online from Friday the 10th until Sunday the 12th, with a selection of feature films and shorts available to stream in Ukrainian with English subtitles. Organised by Nenagh Children’s Film Festival and Ukrainian State Film Agency, children can chose from seven films screening at different times over the weekend, such as Myshko and Dzvinka, Victor Robot and Only a Miracle. Films can be pre-ordered and streamed at Nenagh Children’s Film Festival.
Main image by Yan Krukov on Pexels
