KHRYSTANIVKA

Project: The camp is situated in the small village on the top of the hill in Poltava region, the heart of Ukraine. The Sula river, picturesque landscapes and the endless view on the Khrystanivskii Landscape Reserve can bring back to healthy balance any city dweller. In 15 mins of walking distance from the camp you can enjoy the ponds, the corn field and the oak forest with the deep ravines. This village has more than 300 years of documented history and one architectural monument. This land remembers the times when the Scythians made their famous tombs (two of them are registered near the village), when the local Cossacks were fishing in their wooden boats (like their posterity with the same last names do today) and when according to the new revolutionary law (Russian Empire, 1908) the population including the villagers got the right for the compulsory primary education. The "zemska" (built by Lokhvitske Zemstvo, the ruling organ of that time) school was built in 1914 according to the plan of Opanas Slastion, the theorist of the style known as Ukrainian architectural modern. For today this building is abandoned and needs extra help and extra attention. There is a big risk to lose it forever. With the help of volunteers we have to give it the new life as an educational and cultural centre. Work: The abandoned building of the old school is protected by the special law but is getting damaged by the nature. With your help we can clean the space around the school from the extra greens and to complete the basic work that will save the monument from the further destruction (to restore the roof, the floor, the windows and the doors). The work will be done according to the recommendation of the architects and with the support of the local authorities and activists. Moreover we have to bring back some cultural and educational life. Your help is also needed for the Story Hours for kids, help with the open air film screenings and concerts during the camp.