What is the problem?
The new school year in Ukraine began on September 1. "Many kids are going to school for the first time — not just the first graders but the entire younger generation. The last few years haven't been great for in-person learning," says the team of Shykarna Balka, a public organization in Mykolaiv. "School isn't just about math and spelling; it's also about socialization. This is where our kids learn to communicate, find common ground, deal with challenges, argue and make up, feel hurt, and forgive. It's going to be tough for both teachers and students."
The organization adds that not all Ukrainian students have returned to the classroom. Many, especially those near the front lines, are still learning online. These kids miss out on interactions with their peers.
What is the solution?
The goal of the project is to see happy kids. Photo courtesy of Yulia Oliinyk
Shykarna Balka, which has been supporting both soldiers and civilians affected by the war since the first days of Russia's full-scale invasion, decided to help their city's children adjust to school and also give a chance to communicate to those kids who won't be able to go to school this year.
The nonprofit and its like-minded friends launched the "Friends in the Yard" project as part of the "Supporting Socially Important Initiatives in the Mykolaiv Region" program. The volunteers organize small celebrations and events with rope parks, bicycles, mazes, lively music, and snacks for kids and their parents right in local yards to help neighbors get to know each other.
How does it work?
The "Friends in the Yard" project team. Photo courtesy of Yulia Oliinyk
Yulia Oliinyk, the leader of the Shykarna Balka nonprofit organization, says the idea for "Friends in the Yard" came to the team last year from the Mykolaiv Regional Center for National-Patriotic Education, Tourism, and Local Lore for Young People.
"Nowadays, gadgets and digital technology dominate nearly every aspect of children's lives, so it's important to offer alternatives that promote physical development, a healthy lifestyle, and social socialization," says Yulia Oliinyk. "We wanted to distract children from the harsh realities of war and bring back their smiles."
Meanwhile, the Youth of Ukraine public organization and the Ukrainian Education Platform charity foundation looked into the pressing issues in the city of Mykolaiv. They found that one was the lack of extracurricular education and developmental entertainment for children due to the war. They announced a grant competition, where the "Friends in the Yard" initiators became winners. The project received financial support from the humanitarian organization DanChurchAid.
Organization and safety
A celebration that brings together kids and adults. Photo courtesy of Yulia Oliinyk
The weekend activities for children are set up right in the yards of different neighborhoods in Mykolaiv and include rope routes, maze navigation, bike rides, various games, and workshops.
The nonprofit's setup for the events is straightforward. The team looks for homeowner associations or co-ops interested in hosting an event and arranges the event's time and place. The project's volunteers — students and graduates of local tourism and sports colleges and local Plast youth organization members — bring all the needed equipment and set up the locations. They are always helped by caring community members, including both adults and teenagers. Information about the events is spread through local chat groups and social media, mainly on Facebook.
Every child is supervised by a volunteer. Photo Photo courtesy of Yulia Oliinyk
"Events are only held if there's a bomb shelter within 500 meters. We also notify the police and local authorities about the events," says Maria Kolesnikova, co-organizer of the events from the Regional Federation of Sports Tourism. "Professional tourists with skills in climbing and survival in tough conditions teach and supervise the kids during the activities. All locations are set up with maximum safety precautions. Adult participants always wear special vests so that children and adults know whom to approach with questions or for help."
Does it really work?
"Children's laughter is exactly what we all need right now"
In the ropes park. Photo courtesy of Yulia Oliinyk
"Friends in the Yard" hosted its first event this autumn. Since September 7, the team has held four such events in different districts of Mykolaiv, with about 500 children taking part so far.
"People are happy, and the kids are thrilled. Many parents don't have the time or money to take their children to entertainment centers, so this format is really appealing," says the founder of Shykarna Balka, Oleksii Zelikov.
Rope road. Photo courtesy of Yulia Oliinyk
The organizers share that the rope park is the biggest hit with the kids at every event. The ropes, suspended bridges, and wobbly crossings demand maximum focus and physical effort. Each participant gets to feel like a climber, overcoming obstacles and reaching their own summit of success.
But the main attraction is the zip line. After burning off energy with games, the kids, now at their most excited, climb up to the starting platform, eager to feel the wind in their faces and the rush of flying through the air.
Navigating the maze. Photos by Yulia Oliinik and from the organization's Facebook page
The organizers also mentioned that many participants developed a love for the orienteering maze. In this activity, children can test their quick thinking, speed, and sense of direction. Armed with maps showing tasks and checkpoints, they race to complete the course as fast as possible. Laughter, cheering each other on, and the thrill of competition fill every step on their way to victory.
For the youngest attendees, there's an engaging entertainment program, while young cyclists can practice their skills in precision riding. The organizers also run workshops where kids can try face painting, dance, and indulge in sweets, which the organizers provide. Every child gets a bottle of water — physical activity is part of the event, and the weather in Ukraine's south is still warm and dry.
Water and treats for all participants. Photo courtesy of Yulia Oliinyk
The project's social media pages are filled with positive feedback — mostly from parents. They say their kids, after a day of fun and making new friends, are already looking forward to the next time the project returns to their yard. In the meantime, they've made new friends and found the social interaction they've been missing.
Kids leave hearts as a sign of their enjoyment. Photo courtesy of Yulia Oliinyk
"Since the COVID era, people have spent a lot of time at home. Social skills have faded, and children don't know how to introduce themselves or what to talk about with their peers or neighbors," NGO founder Oleksii Zelikov. "Right now, our city is home to many displaced people from occupied areas and regions still affected by hostilities — they, too, need to find a new circle of friends. At these events, when teamwork is required, children support each other, give tips on how to complete tasks, and, in doing so, form new friendships. While waiting for their turn in the next game, they chat eagerly and exchange news."
At a workshop. Photo by courtesy of Yulia Oliinyk
Even more helpful solutions!
"A small group of people can bring others together" — how to spark change, here and now
"Friends in the Yard." Photo courtesy of Yulia Oliinyk
The project's team confesses that its motivation is seeing children happy in today's challenging world, especially in Mykalaiv, which is regularly attacked by Russian drones. The organizer's kids and grandchildren also join the "Friends in the Yard" events.
"It's tough in Mykolaiv right now. Everyone's tired and lacking sleep, but we still have to carry on and keep ourselves together. We're trying to raise our children — including our own — to be active, full members of society," says Yuliya Oliinyk.
According to the volunteers, you don't need special orienteering skills or a rope park to bring children together and set a good example. You could organize a clean-up day in your yard where kids can help. Adults can set an example of how they treat each other and share spaces.
As a community, you can draw pictures or make handmade crafts. You could even organize a collective birthday celebration and share the day's joy.
"Nothing will happen without the initiative of adults," says Yulia Oliinyk. "Getting to know your neighbors and like-minded people is important. Of course, without sponsors and funding, it's hard to fully expand, but I think it's worth trying to approach local authorities or seek sponsorship from businesses, both big and small."
The project's leader personally experienced how even a small group of people can unite a community.
"Most people are passive and won't take the first step, but they'll support others. That's how, with the help of locals, we won two community budget projects," says Yulia. "First, you build a reputation, and then it starts working for you. Believe it or not, we started by knocking on doors, asking people to sign a petition to get one of the streets paved. Then we pushed to improve the bus service. By the third time, people recognized us and greeted us warmly. Later, we created a Facebook community, and now people exchange items, donate what they don't need, offer services, or help find lost things. Mutual support can achieve so much!"
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