On March 15 we celebrated the launch of a truly special book, a book that tells stories of resilience, of bonds that transcend generations, and of the strength of the human spirit in the face of adversity. This book was the result of the hard work, dedication, and shared experiences of both young and elder members of the Ukrainian refugee community.
The “Connecting Generations” project has been a powerful testament to the importance of remembering our roots while building new futures. As we know, history is not just something that lives in the past; it is a living, breathing part of who we are today. And this book, crafted by the voices of both elders and young people, ensures that the history of Ukraine — its stories, its joys, its struggles — will not be forgotten, even in the face of the unimaginable hardships that have brought us here.
This project, funded by Birmingham City Council and commissioned by North Birmingham 4 Ukraine, was made possible by the unwavering support of many individuals and organizations. We are especially grateful to Kryla for facilitating the intergenerational sessions, creating the space for these meaningful conversations to take place. Through regular meetings, the young people asked questions, and the elders shared their invaluable experiences — stories of a time when life in Ukraine was full of joy, laughter, and simple pleasures. These shared memories have become the bridge that connects not only generations but also the past to the present.
It is a bitter irony that, while this book takes us back to a time of happiness in Ukraine, it also highlights the painful reality that the war has disrupted the lives of so many. The conflict has forced many of our Ukrainian brothers and sisters to leave behind the homes and lives they once knew, seeking refuge and starting anew in places like the West Midlands.
But through this project, we have seen something beautiful emerge. The act of “Connecting Generations” has allowed people of all ages to come together, to meet, to learn from each other, and to build new memories, all while holding onto the rich history of their homeland. The bond between the generations is strong, and it is that bond that will continue to carry our community forward, even in the most difficult times.
We extend our deepest thanks to everyone who made this project possible — from the young people and elders who shared their stories, to Kryla who ensured the creation of this book and to everyone who continues to offer support. Their contributions have created something that will not only serve as a precious memory for those who have lived it but will also educate and inspire future generations.
Looking forward remember that the strength of a community lies in its ability to honour the past, support the present, and work together to build a brighter future. Yesterday we celebrated not just a book, but a symbol of hope, unity, and resilience.
Thank you to everyone who came along to the celebration, to the team from Kryla who organised an amazing presentation and delicious Ukrainian food, to our fantastic volunteers who come along to make sure all our events run smoothly and to our prestigious guests, including the Mayor of Sutton Coldfield and his wife, the Mayor of Birmingham. Frances Thomas and June Marshall from BCC, Sandra Tittel from RMC, councillors David Pears and Des Hughes and Eric, Chrissie, Gerry and Carolyn from Wylde Green Rotary who gave up their Saturday to join us
This event was made possible by the generous support of Birmingham City Council
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