Makariv School of the Arts: Russian Forces Destroyed the Building, but Could Not Destroy Children's Dreams
Before the full-scale war, music echoed through the halls of the Makariv Children's School of the Arts. It was a space where young minds learned to shape beauty:
- Learning to play the piano, violin, guitar, and bandura;
- Practicing vocals and choreography;
- Preparing concerts, stepping onto the stage, and taking their first steps in the world of art.
In February and March 2022, Russian troops attempted to advance through Makariv toward Kyiv. The town found itself at the epicenter of heavy combat, with parts of the Makariv community falling under occupation. Russian shelling devastated residential homes, schools, cultural venues, and healthcare facilities. The Children's School of the Arts suffered severe damage:
- Direct strikes shattered the roofing;
- Water leaked through the damaged roof, ruining internal walls and ceilings;
- Windows and doors were blown out;
- Dampness and mold spread throughout the structure.
Russian attacks damaged far more than a physical structure—they struck a sanctuary where children had the right to learn, nurture their talents, and prepare for performances. This remains one of the most painful realities of this war: Russia systematically destroys not only homes, but schools, hospitals, and cultural centers—everything that sustains normal life.
Yet the School Did Not Vanish
Despite the devastation, the cultural life of the Makariv region never stopped:
- The educational process continued;
- Around 250 students persisted in pursuing their artistic passions.
A roof can be destroyed, windows shattered, and walls damaged—yet destroying a child's desire to play music, sing, or dance is far more difficult. Restoring the school became vital not merely as a construction effort, but as a way to return a cherished space back to the children.
Reconstruction as a Stand Against Aggression
Rebuilding this school served as our principled response to occupation and destruction. Enemy forces arrived to dismantle and intimidate; in return, we rolled up our sleeves and got to work.
Completing a effort of this magnitude alone would have been exceptionally difficult, so we joined forces. Working shoulder-to-shoulder alongside us were our friends from the Finnish-Ukrainian theater Suomen Ukrainalainen Teatteri, the team from the Makariv Village Council, and other dedicated partners who stepped up to help.
The workload was extensive, as the facility had suffered greatly from moisture and dampness. We repaired the ceiling, treated all interior walls against mold to ensure clean air for the children, and refreshed the classrooms. A special point of pride was restoring the concert hall and installing quality new lighting—it is once again a warm, bright, and truly life-affirming space.
Behind Every Restored Wall Lies a Child's Future
Today, the restored school represents far more than freshly painted classrooms:
- It provides a real opportunity for 250 children to pursue their creative callings in proper, dignified conditions;
- It offers a wonderful concert hall where applause once again echoes during inspiring performances, creative meetings, and festivals;
- It creates a safe harbor where a child can set aside anxiety for a few hours and focus on music, dance, or song rather than the war.
That is why initiatives like this carry immense meaning. By rebuilding a school, we restore a piece of normal life and safeguard what matters most—a child's freedom to dream.
Makariv Remembers the Human Cost of War
Макарівська громада заплатила невимовно страшну, криваву ціну за російське вторгнення.
According to official data from the Makariv Village Council:
- 238 civilians lost their lives due to the hostilities;
- 585 private homes were completely destroyed;
- Over 2,000 additional homes suffered severe structural damage.
The scale of destruction was vast. Yet behind these harsh metrics, it is vital never to lose sight of individual human stories:
- The story of a child holding a musical instrument for the first time with trembling excitement;
- The story of a dedicated teacher who continues to instruct against all odds;
- The story of a concert hall filling once more with vibrant music;
- The story of an entire community that survived ordeal and refused to leave ruins in place of a future.
Russian forces destroyed the physical building. Yet they proved powerless to destroy the purpose for which it exists.
The children continue to learn. The music continues to play. Makariv continues to recover. Every restored classroom, every completed concert, and every child returning to class with a smile stands as clear proof that Russian aggression will never extinguish Ukraine's future.
Rebuilding More Than Walls—Restoring Opportunity
The "Magic Wings" Charitable Foundation continues to stand by children and communities affected by the war.
Helping to rebuild a school means helping a child believe once again that life holds more than war.
There will be music. There will be a stage. There will be creativity. There will be a future—and it will be Ukrainian.
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