As Easter approached, a group of Ukrainian refugee children in Belgrade took part in an Easter egg painting workshop, offering a meaningful opportunity to engage with cultural traditions. The activity provided a sense of connection and emotional ease during a challenging time of displacement.
The workshop, which brought together children and their families who had fled the conflict in Ukraine, was organized by our cultural mediator, Nataliia. The workshop aimed to create a space where children could engage with Easter traditions, particularly the art of decorating eggs—an important practice with symbolic significance in Ukrainian culture.
In collaboration with volunteers, we supported the workshop by providing materials and guidance, and introducing children to a range of techniques adapted to different age groups. The space quickly became vibrant with color and focused activity, as the children selected patterns and mixed paints, creating eggs that reflected more than festive decoration. The workshop also served as a valuable occasion for social interaction among families adjusting to a new environment. While centered on the children’s creative expression, the event also allowed parents to connect with one another and with members of the local community, many of whom participated by helping or simply extending a sense of welcome.
This initiative was part of a broader effort to support the integration and well-being of refugee families, particularly during holidays that carry cultural and emotional significance. For those far from home, occasions such as Easter can be especially emotional. Through activities like this, we aim to foster both familiarity and a sense of community inclusion.
The workshop concluded with an informal exhibition of the decorated eggs, highlighting the children’s creativity through personal interpretations of traditional Ukrainian motifs and contemporary styles.
For families navigating uncertain circumstances, experiences like these offers more than enjoyment. They help restore a sense of normalcy, pride, and connection, even in unfamiliar surroundings.
