AUGUST 3 - 12, 2018
UKRAINE PEACE TOUR
Engage with local activists to learn about the conflict and how to further contribute to peacebuilding efforts.
WHEN /
August 3 - 12, 2018
WHERE /
Ukraine
ABOUT THE EVENT /
Contribute to peacebuilding efforts in Ukraine by meeting local activists, participating in activities with internally displaced people, and gaining a hands-on cultural experience.
SCHEDULE/ LOCATIONS
Kyiv
Kyiv is the capital of Ukraine. Here, an optional excursion to Maidan Square is available. Maidan Square was the location of the main protest at the beginning of 2014 that led to violence. In Kyiv, members of the tour will participate in a sightseeing tour and meet with peacebuilding NGOs.
Kharkiv
Kharkiv is the 2nd largest city in Ukraine. It was also the capital of Soviet Ukraine. The tour in Kharkiv will include arts and crafts with elderly and children who are internally displaced. Members will also participate in a clay therapy class and learn how it can heal trauma. Finally, there will be a discussion and dinner with local activists and peacebuilding NGOs.
Svyatogirsk
Svyatogirsk is part of the Donetsk region, a self-proclaimed independent region, and home to thousands of internally displaced people. Members will have the opportunity to discuss social organizing in Ukraine and in western countries with local residents and internally displaced people. The tour will also visit the first battlegrounds of war, as well as the beautiful Svyatogirsk Lavra Monastery and caves.
Konstantinovka
Konstantinovka, a post-Soviet industrial park, is also a part of the Donetsk region. Here, there will be a public discussion with villagers about self-governance in Ukraine and the United States.
Aleksandro-Kalinove
Aleksandro-Kalinove is a village struggling to develop in the vicinity of war. Members of the tour will be able to experience the impact of the conflict and ways in which locals are trying to overcome the conflict. This experience will be accentuate by the visit to the Aleksandro-Kalinove museum.
Kyiv
The tour will end in Kyiv. The last couple of days will be spent in a "Ukrainian village" tourist complex, where members can enjoy Ukrainian food, arts and crafts classes, and excursions. There will also be an opera/ festival event the last day.