PAINT & PEACE PROGRAMME CREATIVE COMMUNITIES
The Paint and Peace programme was delivered in partnership with the Irish Girl Guides and local Ukrainian communities, with a focus on creative expression, cultural integration, and wellbeing. Through visual art, 3D printing, nature-based activities, and meditation, participants developed new skills, strengthened community connections, and engaged in meaningful intercultural exchange.
The programme successfully engaged both Irish and Ukrainian children and families. Feedback consistently described the programme as well-organised, engaging, and highly beneficial. Parents highlighted its role in supporting community building and providing a positive, creative outlet for children, particularly those adapting to new cultural and social environments. One parent noted that their child “loved everything” and that the camp was “amazing,” while another emphasised the programme’s importance for “community building and mental health support.”
A strong emphasis was placed on developing positive relationships with nature. Outdoor art-making, photography, and reflective practices enabled participants to deepen their connection with the environment, providing a valuable counterbalance to screen-based activities. Testimonies observed that these nature-based experiences will create “meaningful memories that shape them as adults.”
Innovation was also central to the programme through the integration of 3D printing. This activity proved to be a highlight for many children, who were inspired by the opportunity to design and produce unique objects. The technology provided an accessible entry point into sustainability and creativity, fostering problem-solving and imagination.
The programme concluded with a public showcase in the local library, which brought families and community members together to celebrate the achievements of participants. The exhibition featured outdoor photographs, artwork, and 3D printed objects, with strong positive feedback regarding its organisation, presentation, and impact.
Overall, the Paint and Peace programme demonstrated the power of creative practice to foster intercultural understanding, resilience, and belonging. It provided children with opportunities to explore artistic and technological skills, supported positive mental health, and strengthened community bonds between Irish and Ukrainian families.
