Charlie, the Chocolate Factory, and the Rich Experience of Ukrainian Children in Graz (Austria)

Recently, we shared about our annual tradition of sending children from Ukraine to Austria for rehabilitation. Last week, all the children returned home, so we asked the chaperones about their impressions of the trip.

Iryna Pushay and Iryna Vodomerova, along with two family-type orphanages (FTCH), visited the city of Graz.

“We lived in the local social center Mosaik, which used to be a monastery. Each spacious room had interesting features, such as a rocking chair and a hammock. For the eagerly awaited children from Ukraine, a creativity corner with toys and stationery was set up in the center’s corridor. Outside, there was a wonderful young garden, as well as a large playground with a green lawn for sports and games where the children had plenty of fun. We were fed three times a day with delicious meals and treated to a festive barbecue. But the main highlight was the rich cultural program,” recalls Iryna Pushay.

Volunteer Lidiya introduced our travelers to Mr. Charlie, who is responsible for the educational part at the center, and Ms. Ursula, who became a sponsor of entertainment for the Ukrainian children. This acquaintance marked the beginning of the first friendships and incredible impressions for the children.

The children visited several pools. Some of the younger ones didn’t know how to swim, so it was a great opportunity to learn. Of course, everything took place under the watchful eyes of adults and with all safety rules in mind.

The Ukrainian group climbed the green hill Schlossberg, which stands 473 meters above the unique landscape of Graz’s red-tiled roofs. Once a fortress stood on this hill, partially destroyed by Napoleon’s troops. Its remnants, such as the “Casemates,” now exist as a restored open stage. The group used a funicular, which has been operating since 1894, to ascend the hill. However, for the descent, our travelers chose a tube, reminiscent of the tunnels in cartoons about the Grinch—a fun, quick slide down without any steps.

Juliana and Valeria, the magic-makers from the Austrian team Global2000, took the children and adults to a real, yet still magical, chocolate factory. Our children learned all about cocoa beans, how chocolate is made, tried dozens of types of chocolate, and ate so much that they even refused seconds. Can you imagine? Although the red robot serving treats was very cute and persistent. Naturally, they got a bit messy, but the joy from such a delicious tour was immense!

They rode a convertible bus, visited a farm with various animals, rafted, visited the dreamlike Alps they had only seen on famous chocolate wrappers, played rugby, climbed rocks, made robots with their own hands, visited a dinosaur park, saw the cathedral with masterpiece wall paintings, and even the local parliament where they tried to come up with and pass an important law to improve the lives of homeless Ukrainian animals. And they brought home a bunch of gifts!

“We had so many impressions that we needed to talk to someone about them, so every evening we held an Evening Circle. This was a way to be together before dinner, talk, and share the many emotions each child had accumulated during the day. We brought a lot of psychological games from Ukraine to work through different states during the trip. The children happily shared their thoughts, asked questions, and got to know each other better. Such an important retrospective was not just a formality. The children were so interested that if they couldn’t join us, they called and begged us to wait for them,” comments Iryna Vodomerova.

When the group was at the rope park in the Alps, it was a real surprise to see that even in the mountains, everything was arranged so that people in wheelchairs could participate in sports and relax.

“An integral part of the impressions was about the adaptability of spaces for people with disabilities—everywhere, premises and streets were designed so that all people without exception could comfortably visit various events or just walk around. We often met children in wheelchairs, and this was such a vivid example of inclusion and acceptance for Ukrainian children. By the way, we later discussed these moments separately at the Evening Circle. The issue of inclusivity is very relevant for Ukraine because of the war, and unfortunately, there are already many injured adults and children,” the group chaperones share.

The children also gave Ukrainian souvenirs that they brought from home or made during their stay and actively learned German because there was a 100% motivation—to say warm words to their friend Charlie and all those who took such good care of the little Ukrainians.

Thank you to the entire community of Graz and the people of Austria! You welcomed us with incredible warmth. All the memories of this vacation will be cherished by Ukrainian children for their entire lives.