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CopyrightEuropean Commission
Journey HOME
A Path of Testimonies and Giving
Presented by the Embassy of Ukraine, Ukraine House and the European Union, the “Journey HOME” installation invites visitors to walk through four stations, each representing a universal longing of Ukrainian children affected by war: Home, Education, Safety, and Family. By highlighting real testimonies in an open-air public space, the path turns personal stories into collective responsibility.
There will be four craft workshops for kids and adults at each station – Ukrainian traditional folk painting technique, building with tile mosaic, writing wishes on peace doves and creating floral pathways home, back to Ukraine.
The installation will be presented at Kids Euro Fest on October 18th, 2025, from 10am-2pm at the Embassy of Spain - Spanish Cultural Center at 2801 16th St NW, Washington, DC 20009. Families who wish to visit should navigate to the "library - biblioteca" directly behind the foyer upon entering the venue.
“I want to be a builder when I grow up. I want to rebuild our house so my family can come back.”
Letter H
Meaning – HOME
Visual: Large “H” letter half-decorated with mosaics as symbol of Ukrainian houses which are usually decorated with tiles and mosaics.
Engagement: Visitors stick the tiles of mosaic (“bricks of homes”) onto the “H” letter, meaning re-building Ukrainian houses.
“When the sirens go off, I just want to hide under my mom’s arms. I want the war to stop.”
Letter O
Meaning – SAFETY
Visual: Giant “O” letter half-painted in Ukrainian folk art painting style (‘Petrykivka’)
Engagement: Visitors put their hand prints on the free space of the “O” letter – both adults and kids, symbolizing the parent’s hands and safe environment.
“All I want is to go back to school with my friends. I miss my classroom.”
Letter M
Meaning – EDUCATION
Visual: Big “M” with drawings made by Ukrainian children during wartime.
Engagement: Visitors write wishes to Ukraine and Ukrainian children on paper doves and stick them on the structure as symbols of peace.
“I don’t want to live in Russia. I want to go home to Ukraine.”
Letter E
Meaning – FAMILY
Visual: Large “E” with pathways and routes half-filled with artificial flowers and decorated with decoupage pictures with Ukrainian floral motifs.
Engagement: Visitors place the flowers in the shape of routes symbolizing the ways back to flourishing home.
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CopyrightEuropean Investment Bank
European Union Supports Ukrainian Children
- The EU provides funding for education initiatives within Ukraine, such as rehabilitating damaged schools, creating safe learning spaces, and providing textbooks and school buses.
- The EU finances programs that offer mental health support and trauma care for children, teachers, and caregivers dealing with the war's impact.
- The EU supports Member States in integrating displaced Ukrainian children into their education systems through guidance, online resources, and programs like Erasmus+.
- The EU is supporting Ukraine's implementation of the European Child Guarantee, a framework designed to strengthen child protection systems, improve childcare and family support services, and promote inclusive education.
- The EU helps Ukraine align its reforms with EU standards to ensure children can live in families rather than institutions and to strengthen community-based care services.
Learn more about EU support for Ukraine.
