Закон України «Про професійну освіту» набув чинностіUnion Members' Children Returned from a Summer Camp in Austria Inspired and Full of Impressions
The Ukrainian delegation of union children returned from the IFM-SEI International Summer Camp in Austria, organized by Kinderfreunde Österreich, full of impressions, new acquaintances and vivid emotions.
This camp became a space of equality, cultural values, mutual respect and learning. Children and young people from dozens of countries lived, studied and rested together, building their own little world without war, discrimination and borders.
The participants shared their stories of recreation and impressions after their stay at the camp.
In particular, during the International Market, Ukrainian children presented the culture and soul of their country: Veniamin played the accordion, Eva sang a song with lyrics by Lesya Ukrainka, Polina performed a Ukrainian folk dance, and at the end of the event, they sang the song "'Chervona Kalyna'" together in Ukrainian, English and German.
And during the thematic Ukrainian quiz, the children told interesting facts about Ukraine, gave national souvenirs, asked questions, and inspired the audience to be active, open, and in solidarity. These simple but profound gestures became bridges to understanding and respect.
The participants express their sincere gratitude to the Trade Union of Education and Science of Ukraine and the «Bildungs- und Förderungswerk» of the German Education Union (GEW) for the opportunity to become part of this international event that promotes education, cultural exchange and the development of European values among the younger generation.
Special thanks to the organizers of the camp for the excellent preparation, the atmosphere of mutual support and the high level of the European educational space.
The children described this experience as unforgettable: it filled their hearts with not only warm memories, but also faith in the power of solidarity, friendship and a peaceful future!
Feedback from participants
I really liked this camp because I found a lot of new friends, got a lot of positive emotions from the time we spent together and interesting activities.
I really liked the leaders: they were kind, cheerful and always ready to help. It was nice that they accepted us warmly and sincerely. The atmosphere in the camp was super friendly, everyone was kind, responsive and open.
I am sincerely grateful to everyone who made these days so unforgettable!
Ksenia Pylypenko
I really liked everything: the team, the activities, the atmosphere - and many more little things that together created something special. This camp has become a part of me and I am sincerely grateful for this experience.
Mykhailo Kindzerskyi
This camp was a real adventure. The nights under the stars, the smell of the campfire, the fresh mountain air - all this created an incredible atmosphere.
We walked a lot, rode bikes, swam, participated in workshops and communicated with friends from different countries. This is an experience that will stay with me forever.
Daria Parfeniuk
Camp Rote Falken Rise Up!!! was awesome!
Thanks to the organizers for an interesting vacation, a lot of positive emotions and outstanding impressions. Most of all I liked living in a tent - it was really cool. In the camp, I felt real freedom and could do my favorite things: play football, ride a bike and climb a mountain with a height of 1651 meters.
There was always fun in our Elephant Tent leisure center: table football, karaoke, and, of course, discos.
I also remember the Camp Rally quest - we ran from station to station, solving riddles to collect the code word. When we realized that the word was Friendship, I felt that it was really about us. I made new friends here.
These memories will stay with me for a long time. And I already dream of returning there again!
Ivan Larionov
I am sincerely grateful to the German and Ukrainian teachers' unions for the opportunity to become a part of IFM-SEI Camp 2025!
Eleven days at the camp were a real kaleidoscope of positive impressions and sincere emotions. I had the opportunity to join the work of Kinder Republik, to discuss ideas, activities, workshops and important issues of our camp life together with friends from other countries.
This camp was not just an adventure for me; it became a place of new acquaintances, support, warmth, and understanding. I will always remember the incredible mountain views, kayaking, campfires, and our fun conversations in the Austrian-German-Ukrainian circle.
Special thanks to our wonderful mentors – Ms. Rudnytska, Ms. Larionova, and Ms. Shmyryko – for their care, support, and meaningful space where we wanted to grow and share kindness.
Falken is a place where warmth, friendship, mutual respect and joy live.
Yeva Kushnir
As the team leader, I sincerely thank all the participants for their activity, organization, responsibility and consciousness.
Our team took part in a large number of events: workshops, debates, Children's Republic, concerts, a market, hiking, cycling, kayaking, SUP-boarding, and just swimming. We also took part in a volleyball championship, played table tennis, billiards, football, basketball, sang karaoke, danced at discos, and actively communicated in English and German.
We received a lot of support and positive experience from the organizers that we will be able to implement in Ukraine.
Children are our future. And with such conscious young people, we are confident in the successful future of our country!
Marianna Rudnytska
This year, I was honored to join the international camp for the first time as a camp accompanying person.
I am sincerely grateful to the Trade Union of Education and Science Workers of Ukraine and the German Education Union(GEW) for the unique opportunity to participate in this educational program that promotes the exchange of experience and the development of children.
Special thanks to the organizers for the excellent level of preparation, efficient organization and special attention to each participant. It was a truly incredible experience that left an unforgettable impression.
I was especially impressed by the way the camp respects the children's voices and initiatives. One of the most valuable traditions of the camp is the Children's Republic, and it is not just a symbol, but an effective body that had a real impact: from program planning to everyday decisions. This approach fosters responsibility, solidarity and self-confidence in children.
For me personally, the camp has become both work and leisure at the same time. Nature, camping, excellent conditions and the opportunity for active leisure - hiking, cycling, SUP-boarding - gave me a lot of emotions! I am convinced that this experience will be an impetus for new achievements of our children.
Thank you for the opportunity to be a part of this incredible space!
Svitlana Larionova
International Department
