When St. Nicholas comes in pixels – about children, war, and hope
Today, December 6, something very real happened at the “HIGH HUB” Youth Center. “St. Nicholas Wears Pixel” was an unusual creative event on a day when two meanings came together – the Day of the Armed Forces of Ukraine and St. Nicholas Day, a holiday of strength and a holiday of hope.
The hall gathered more than 50 children and adults who came not just to watch, but to feel. Oleg Borodai – a Ukrainian poet, prose writer, bard-musician, and serviceman of the National Guard of Ukraine – visited the center. A person who volunteered for the war back in 2015 and began writing there, because sometimes a word is the only thing you can breathe with.
Oleg recited poems, sang, and spoke quietly and honestly about the war, about his son who was there in the hall. About the desire to protect children from war as the greatest motivation to keep fighting. Because “Creativity in war is a lifeline, a place where you can voice what you carry in your heart.”
The children listened breathlessly, asked many questions, and this is perhaps the most valuable – a dialogue between a Defender and the future happening here and now.
The event was attended by Ivan Mykhailychenko, First Deputy Head of the Vysochansk Settlement Council, who congratulated everyone on the holidays. And the most anticipated part for the children – gifts from the Vysochansk Settlement Council, smiles, joy, that very moment “to remember.”
He also reminded everyone that in our community, children have places to go and things to engage in: 10 sports sections, 2 art schools, clubs at the Palace of Culture, and in Vysoke – its own Youth Center. A place where there is movement, support, and a future.
This day once again reminded us – we stand together. Celebration and war side by side, children’s smiles alongside difficult conversations. And as long as poems are heard, laughter continues, and there are those who protect children – we have a future.
With support High Hub Youth Center
