They believe in themselves

The Obolon District State Administration recently hosted the “Let Us Believe in Ourselves!” exhibit of artworks by disabled children and youth. The event took place within the framework of the Kyiv city festival of creativity. In addition to the exhibit there was also a gala concert “Colors of Hope.” Some two hundred people gathered in the hall of the Obolon District State Administration. Parents, teachers, officials and people who simply care about children came to support the talented young generation in its creative beginnings.

The gala festival was organized by the specialized Center of Social and Psychological Rehabilitation of Children and Youth with Functional Disabilities “Iryda” of the Obolon District Center of the Social Services for Families, Children and Youth. The event was opened by the children of “Iryda” and the creative youth from the partner public organization “Studio DIMFO Creative Association.” The children, dressed in black, entered the stage one by one, holding the imaginary beating hearts in their hands. They released the “live hearts” to the sound of Queen’s “The Show Must Go On” as if demonstrating to the world their openness and boundless child’s love that lives in their hearts despite all the hardships and difficulties. They expect the same in return — frankness and support, warmth and understanding. The young vocalist Alina Ovcharenko sang Konstantin Meladze’s “Keep Love” song, which became the final song of the gala concert.

One hundred fifty talented kids participated in the “Let Us Believe in Ourselves!” festival this year. They competed in two age categories: Children and Youth. Nine judges, headed by Liudmyla Spirina, the director of the Obolon District Center of the Social Services for Families, Children and Youth, picked the winners in the following nominations: Vocal and Choir, Pop, Choreography, Author’s Poetry and Prose, Fine Arts, Decorative and Applied Arts, Performing Arts, Audio-Visual (photo) and Uncreated Arts.

Oksana Myholiuk, the editor of the “Society” column of The Day, was also a judge and determined the winners in the Author’s Poetry and Prose nomination. The Children category winner was Yurii Kulahin, a 5th grade student from school No. 168, while Olesia Telpish, the Sunray mother’s association student, won in the Youth Category. The young poet Mykola Holovachuk received the Judges’ Choice Award. However, the editorial office of The Day decided to award the young talented poet Yurii Kulahin with a special prize. He received a collection of true and candid pictures, found in the The Day’s photoalbum. The editorial office sincrely wishes Yura creative growth, inspiration, faith in his powers and poetic achievements.