Youth form historical memories in themselves

Recently, 1st year bachelor's students majoring in International Communications took part in a special meeting at the Museum of Kyiv History. Here, as part of the Voices of the Peaceful project of the Rinat Akhmetov Foundation, they joined a public interview with philanthropist Khrystia Khranovska. This initiative is aimed at preserving the stories of people whose lives were forever changed by the Russian-Ukrainian war; stories that are a painful but important reminder of the tragedies experienced by Ukrainians.

Khrystia Khranovska shared her personal story, describing the origins of the War Diaries exhibition project. Her story was full of heartbreaking details: from the first steps in creating the initiative to the difficulties she had to overcome along the way. She noted that her goal was to give a voice to those affected by the war and help society preserve the memory of the tragic events in the lives of each of us.

A special emphasis was placed on the stories of the residents of Mariupol, a city that has become a symbol of heroism and a brutal war in Ukraine. Ms Khranovska recalled the incredible trials that the residents of this city went through. The blockade, destruction, pain of loss - all this is forever etched in the memory of the nation. She noted that the War Diaries exhibition contains testimonies of Mariupol residents who lost their homes and loved ones but did not lose hope. Their stories are filled with both bitter pain and incredible strength of spirit

The students joined the dialogue by asking questions that touched on difficult topics: how to preserve the memory of pain and loss, how to help people who have survived the horrors of war, and what role each of us plays in achieving peace. 

Natalia Yemchenko, a member of the Supervisory Board of Rinat Akhmetov Foundation, stressed that the mission of the Voices of the Peaceful project is to create an archive of human stories that will help future generations understand the price of freedom for Ukraine. These voices are a kind of spiritual monument to people who have experienced unimaginable suffering but have not lost their faith in life.

The meeting ended in a warm and touching atmosphere. The participants' hearts were left with a strong emotional response and an awareness of the importance of supporting each other in difficult times. Khrystia Khranovska noted the importance of young people's interest in this topic and thanked the students for their time. 

Olha Tovstolis, 
1st year student IC of IIR
(Institute of International Relations, Kyiv)