{"id":4201,"date":"2025-11-21T17:15:01","date_gmt":"2025-11-21T15:15:01","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/magwings.org\/?p=4201"},"modified":"2025-11-25T01:33:27","modified_gmt":"2025-11-24T23:33:27","slug":"sonyachni-lihtaryky-2025","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/magwings.org\/en\/sonyachni-lihtaryky-2025\/","title":{"rendered":"Sunny Lanterns 2025"},"content":{"rendered":"

Sunny Lanterns: When Creativity Breaks Boundaries<\/b><\/h2><\/div>

On October 29, 2025, Kyiv hosted the National Creative Festival Sunny Lanterns for children and youth with disabilities.<\/p>\n<\/div>

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More than 130 participants from across Ukraine gathered at the Pechersk Palace Cultural Center to share what\u2019s most valuable \u2014 their talent, heart, and sincerity. Every performance carried a message of hope. Every glance radiated strength. And every round of applause was an act of acceptance.<\/p>\n<\/div>

A space where every child can shine<\/h3><\/div>

The Sunny Lanterns Festival was created to give a voice to those who are too often unheard. For children and youth with disabilities, creativity is more than a passion \u2014 it\u2019s a way to overcome anxiety, express themselves, find friends, and feel valued.<\/p>\n<\/div>

\u201cArt is the language of the heart. And this festival proves that true creativity knows no boundaries,\u201d
\n\u2014 Nataliia Druzenko, co-founder of the NGO WeCan.<\/p><\/blockquote>

On the Pechersk Palace stage, children from Chernivtsi, Rivne, Zhytomyr, Bila Tserkva, Odesa, and Kyiv performed songs, dances, theatrical acts, poems, and musical pieces. Special attention was given to participants with Down syndrome and mental disabilities.<\/p>\n<\/div>

Not a competition \u2014 a celebration<\/b><\/h3><\/div>

The festival format was designed not as a contest, but as a celebration. No one was judged \u2014 everyone was supported. Participants were selected through an initial online round, where they submitted videos of their performances. Finalists were then invited to perform live at the gala concert in Kyiv.<\/p>\n<\/div>

One of the most touching performances was \"Silence\" \u2014 a dance piece by the Syaivo collective from Rivne, which received the highest score of 200 points. But the true victory was seen in the children\u2019s smiles, the happy tears of parents, and the genuine applause of the audience.<\/p>\n<\/div>

Inclusion in action<\/h3><\/div>

The festival demonstrated what real inclusion looks like \u2014 not in words, but in practice. The organizers ensured a welcoming and accessible environment: a convenient venue, professional stage, inclusive volunteer team, and full support for participants traveling from different regions.<\/p>\n<\/div>

The festival program included:<\/p>\n<\/div>