Five Years of Friendship: Ukrainian Children Spend a Summer Week in Lithuania

A group of 29 children of Ukrainian education workers from five regions of Ukraine recently returned home after spending a week at the “Summer of Friendship” camp in Lithuania.

The camp was organized by the Lithuanian Education and Science Trade Union (LŠMPS) in cooperation with the Trade Union of Education and Science Workers of Ukraine (TUESWU). This year marked the fifth consecutive year of the initiative, which has become an important part of the two unions’ long-standing solidarity and partnership.

Close cooperation between the trade unions has been ongoing since 2016. And after the beginning of the full-scale war, our Lithuanian colleagues launched a series of initiatives in support of Ukraine, including the organization of joint summer camps for Ukrainian and Lithuanian children.

A week of discovery, friendship and fun

The children came from the Dnipropetrovsk, Sumy, Rivne, Volyn and Mykolaiv regions of Ukraine. For one week, they stayed at a camp in the Ramybė area of Visaginas Municipality, surrounded by pine forests and nature.

LŠMPS took care of the organization of the children's stay, including accommodation, meals and a varied program of educational, cultural, sporting and recreational activities.

The program gave the children an opportunity not only to relax, but also to discover Lithuania and experience something new.

One of the highlights was a visit around Visaginas, where the children learned more about the town’s history, development, cultural heritage and landmarks. It was an opportunity to see and learn about a new place beyond their everyday experience.

Another memorable day was spent at Newton Rooms, an innovative STEM education initiative in Visaginas. Through experiments and practical activities, the children explored scientific phenomena and had the chance to become young researchers themselves.

There was plenty of active recreation as well. At Žalvaris Park, the children took part in competitions, enjoyed water activities and explored different attractions. The laughter room was another favourite, bringing plenty of smiles and joyful moments.

Throughout the week, sports, games, excursions, learning activities and informal time together helped the children make new friends and create memories that they will take home with them.

More than a summer camp

For children growing up during a war, a week like this is about much more than entertainment.

It is an opportunity to step away, even temporarily, from the realities of war, to feel safe, cared for and welcome, to meet other children, make friends and simply enjoy being children.

For many participants, the trip to Lithuania became a special experience that combined rest and new discoveries with the warmth of genuine friendship.

Reflecting on the “Summer of Friendship”2026, LŠMPS President Egidijus Milešinas thanked everyone involved in making the camp possible – partners, sponsors, the camp team and Ukrainian trade union colleagues. He particularly highlighted the long-standing cooperation between LŠMPS and TUESWU, stressing that friendship and solidarity between trade unions are expressed not only in words, but through concrete actions and support for people.

He also expressed appreciation to the camp team, who looked after the children around the clock, organized the program and made sure that every child felt safe, welcome and valued.

This is what makes the initiative especially meaningful. Children return home with new experiences, new friendships and warm memories of Lithuania and the people they met there.

Our sincere thanks to our Lithuanian colleagues

The Trade Union of Education and Science Workers of Ukraine expresses its deep and sincere gratitude to the Lithuanian Education and Science Trade Union, LŠMPS, and to everyone who contributed to the organisation of the camp.

We are particularly grateful to LŠMPS President Egidijus Milešinas for his personal support, hospitality and continued commitment to standing with Ukrainian educators and their families.

For five consecutive years, our Lithuanian colleagues have helped create a space where Ukrainian children can rest, recover, discover something new and experience the simple joys of childhood.

This is a powerful example of what international trade union solidarity can mean in practice. It is not only about statements of support, but about people opening their doors, sharing their time and resources, and creating real opportunities for others.

We deeply value our partnership with LŠMPS and are grateful that, in these difficult times for Ukraine, our Lithuanian colleagues continue to stand beside us.

Thank you for your friendship, solidarity, care and trust. We truly appreciate everything you do for Ukrainian educators and their children.

We look forward to continuing our cooperation and creating many more opportunities for friendship and exchange between Ukrainian and Lithuanian children in the years ahead.

International Department