We are working together to provide a respite from the war
When commitment brings hope
Between canoeing, the circus and new friendships
For most children, the summer holidays mean sunshine, day trips and carefree days with friends. However, for many children in Ukraine, a very different reality has been part of their everyday lives for years: war, air-raid sirens, uncertainty and fear. This makes places where they can simply be children again for a while all the more important.
For the fourth time, the works council at the Siemens switchgear plant in Leipzig organised a special holiday camp for Ukrainian children, together with dedicated Siemens colleagues and the association Eine Welt e.V. Leipzig.
Thanks to the support of Siemens Caring Hands e.V., 30 children from Lutsk were able to travel to Saxony for two weeks this year. Disaster relief is not just about providing immediate supplies of food, accommodation or medical aid; it also means helping people to regain their strength. For children in particular, a sense of security and community, and carefree experiences, can play a vital role in helping them to cope with the consequences of war and crises. During those two weeks, therefore, the focus was not on news of the war, but on providing a safe environment in which to play, have fun and make new friends.
Two weeks full of experiences!
The children in Saxony were in for two action-packed weeks full of new encounters. From canoeing and visiting Leipzig Zoo to swimming at the Schildau lido, they gained lots of new experiences and created shared memories. A particular highlight was the visit to the Siemens plant in Leipzig. There, the children were able to go behind the scenes and get hands-on. With the help of Siemens colleagues, they built simple electrical circuits and made their own creations light up. This visit demonstrated impressively how technology can spark curiosity and bring people together. The children were also looking forward to the trip to Berlin, where Siemens colleagues had organised an excursion including a visit to the Reichstag and a city tour. The children also had a special experience at the end of the holiday: as part of a circus workshop, they had rehearsed short performances. They practised, laughed and experimented with great enthusiasm. At the grand closing party, they showcased their skills in front of around 60 guests. From acrobatics to magic tricks, the young performers proudly demonstrated what they had learnt. The performance was a moving finale, showing just how much their curiosity, courage and self-confidence had grown over the two weeks.
Many hands make a difference!
The holiday camp is a striking example of what can be achieved when many people work together. Every activity, every outing and every shared meal was made possible by people who contributed their time, energy and dedication. As Siemens Caring Hands e.V. was founded on the commitment of Siemens employees, it is particularly rewarding to support this project, driven by so many volunteers, as it embodies solidarity, compassion and practical assistance. Year after year, Siemens employees volunteer to help organise and run the holiday camp. They accompany excursions, assist with childcare, translate, coordinate, and provide support wherever needed. Together, they have provided the children with not only a varied holiday programme, but also a place where they can experience security, community and carefree fun for two weeks.
We would like to express our heartfelt thanks to everyone involved, including the Works Council, Siemens colleagues, Eine Welt e.V., the City of Leipzig, IG Metall, and the many other supporters. Their commitment demonstrates just how much can be achieved when people stand together. Together, they have given children affected by war not only a two-week break, but also strengthened their resilience, self-confidence, social connections and hope for the future – skills that will have a lasting impact long after their stay has ended.
Would you like to support more initiatives like this one? If so, please donate to Siemens Caring Hands e.V., quoting the name of your chosen destination country.