Kilkee Library was the setting recently for the launch of ‘Once Upon a Kazka’, an illustrated children’s book, featuring a vibrant and heartfelt collection of Ukrainian stories translated into English and brought to life through art.
The storybook is the culmination of a months-long creative collaboration between the young participants involved with Kilkee Integration Project, Clare Youth Service, and local artist Courtney O’Farrell.
The project aimed to celebrate and share Ukrainian culture with local Irish children, while also supporting the integration of young Ukrainians into the community of Kilkee and wider County Clare.
Melissa Blunnie, Youth Worker with Clare Youth Service, guided the group through the process and commented: “This book is not just a collection of stories; it’s a bridge between cultures, and a testament to the resilience, creativity, and voice of young people,
“Each participant brought their own unique perspective and creativity to the project, and the result is something truly special.”
With the support of a professional art tutor, the group explored storytelling, illustration, and visual expression that reflected their heritage.
Zara Starr-Madden of the Local Creative Youth Partnership (LCYP), Limerick and Clare Education and Training Board, which helped facilitate the project, said that they were proud to be active in facilitating youth creativity in Loop Head.
“We are delighted to collaborate with Clare Youth Service and Creative Communities Clare on this project as it reflects the heart of the LCYP’s aim to amplify youth voices and foster connection through creativity.
“We look forward to seeing youth creativity grow in Loop Head and we deeply value the partnerships making this possible.”
The partnership includes Tusla, Youth Work Ireland and the Clare Local Development Company through SICAP (Social Inclusion Community Activation Programme).
Copies of the book will be donated to primary schools throughout Clare, allowing even more children to enjoy these stories and the beautiful artwork that accompanies them.
The central idea is to share Ukrainian culture with Irish children, to connect Ukrainian children displaced by war to their heritage and to do so in English to help with their integration to their new community in Ireland and more specifically to County Clare and Kilkee in particular.
This initiative is part of Clare Youth Service’s broader commitment to empowering young people through the arts and fostering inclusive, creative communities.