Freedom diaries
“Freedom Diaries” is an educational and art therapeutic initiative of the Hrystia Hranovska Foundation, developed for children aged 9-15, but there is no age restriction. It is not just an educational program but a space where one can reflect on their experience and discover inner strength, no matter where they are. That is why we do not set any strict age restrictions.
It is a platform that provides tools for parents, teachers and most importantly — children, so that through a creative process they can explore themselves and feel a connection to Ukrainian culture.
We have created Freedom Diaries project because we sincerely believe that every Ukrainian child is a unique and beautiful bird which needs own space and wings to soar high and feel free, happy and strong in this uncertain world.
For us freedom is the foundation of Ukrainian identity: freedom of choice, freedom of flight, freedom to think, create and dream.
Freedom to be yourself.
Message to Ukrainian children living abroad from Zaluzhnyi Valerii, the Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of Ukraine to the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland:
“Ukrainian identity is the courage to think freely and the bravery to create.”
About supporting children abroad and the freedom that shapes Ukraine’s future.
Two unique illustrated storybooks by Ukrainian artist Alevtyna Kakhidze — “About Citizenship Of Plants, Animals And People” and “Freedom Workbook” — lie at the core of “Freedom Diaries”.
Each of them contains dozens of pages for creative activities that can be started in any order. There are 24 activities in total, each of which includes:
some methodological advice that help teachers and parents organize the process easily and naturally;
short video tutorials — lively tips and ideas that support work with children;
each page is a new activity.
All materials were developed by a large team of educators, artists and psychologists who combined their expertise to make the process easy, engaging and safe.
Most importantly: there are no right or wrong answers here. These are not just coloring books — this is a space for reflection and dialogue.
“Freedom Diaries” is created for teachers and parents who want to support children in discovering themselves through creativity and dialogue.
The project materials help to facilitate activities with children aged 9-15, but we do not set any age restrictions — what matters is not the number, but the openness to conversation and the desire to create.
The project is especially useful for Ukrainian schools abroad, and also children who have been forced to move to other countries because of war.
It helps to maintain a connection to the native culture, language and sense of home — even when home is far away.
“Freedom Diaries” is created for Ukrainian children around the world — for everyone who wants to discover who they are and believe in their own wings.
How to work with “Freedom Diaries”?
The core of the project – two illustrated storybooks by Ukrainian artist Alevtyna Kakhidze.
Alevtyna Kakhidze – the author of illustrated storybooks “About Citizenship Of Plants, Animals And People” and “Freedom Workbook” that form the basis of Freedom Diaries project. Alevtyna is a Ukrainian feminist artist, performance artist, media artist, curator and gardener. She is a co-founder of the private residence for foreign artists in the village of Muzychi. Starting from 2018, Alevtyna acts as the UN Tolerance Ambassador in Ukraine. She is a laureate of the Kazimir Malevich Art Award (2008).
How to work with illustrated storybooks
We offer parents and teachers all the tools to work with illustrated storybooks. Choose your current role and get all the materials you need for working with children: files of illustrated storybooks for printing, an inspirational video of Mariia Proshkovska, art therapy practice scripts
