Ukrainian refugee children: fostering connection and joy through paint
Ukrainian refugee children: fostering connection and joy through paint

Ukrainian refugee children: fostering connection and joy through paint

Art brings joy and connection in Holten! Discover how weekly painting classes at TOOF inspire Ukrainian children to explore their creativity.

Lees meer

The Netherlands | Since 2022, the TOOF (Temporary Shelter for Ukrainians on Forthaarsweg) has been hosting weekly painting classes, sparking creativity and connection among its young participants. We are happy to support them with our Royal Talens materials. In the heart of Holten, the TOOF is a place where children from Ukraine come together to explore their artistic talents, and more!

Exploring different mediums

Every Wednesday, the primary school children gather at the TOOF for painting classes. Led by volunteers Frederique Zweers and Francien in ‘t Veld, along with 17-year-old Ukrainian art student Marina Sheveleva, these afternoons are nurturing both creativity and community. They explore various mediums, using acrylic paint, watercolours, pencils, junior artist oil pastels, you name it. This allows the children to find a medium that they enjoy.

More than just painting

Beyond the actual painting, these classes give the children a sense of community and belonging. Laughter fills the room as friendships form and memories are made. Notable moments include the children's exploration of the style of Maria Primatsjenko, a renowned Ukrainian artist. Marina's own artwork, created with materials donated by the Royal Talens foundation, has been printed into postcards. These postcards are sold to fund her continued involvement in the classes. Please contact wildhorst@icloud.com if you are interested in the postcards! (Pictured on the right).

Supporting each other

Supported by organisations such as Welzijnsorganisatie Via Vie Holten, Rotaryclub Bathmen-de Schipbeek, and of course our foundation, these painting classes thrive. Their assistance makes sure that the children have access to high-quality materials and a supportive environment to nurture their creativity.

Gerelateerde blogs

Primary school pupils bring windmill sails to life through painting
Foundation

Primary school pupils bring windmill sails to life through painting

One hundred primary school pupils took part in a creative project organised by Cultuurplein Noord Veluwe, combining classroom art education...
Creative expression at the Community Family Center in Peru
Foundation

Creative expression at the Community Family Center in Peru

During the 2026–2027 school year, 110 children and young people at the Community Family Center in Cañete, Peru, use Royal...
Bringing creativity to the streets of Apeldoorn - Royal Talens
Foundation

Bringing creativity to the streets of Apeldoorn

In the centre of Apeldoorn, a new mural is transforming a public space into a celebration of creativity. Discover the...
From comics to sunsets: creative learning with IMC Weekendschool - Royal Talens
Foundation

Van stripverhalen tot zonsondergangen: creatief leren met IMC Weekendschool

Leerlingen uit Amsterdam Zuidoost verdiepten zich in strips, animatie en schilderen tijdens een creatief project georganiseerd door IMC Weekendschool. Met...
Creative self-portraits and sculptures at IMC Weekendschool Amsterdam Nieuw-West - Royal Talens
Foundation

Creatieve zelfportretten en beeldhouwwerken bij de IMC Weekendschool Amsterdam Nieuw

In het kader van een bredere samenwerking tussen de Royal Talens Foundation en de zomerscholen van de IMC Weekendschool in...
Aisha & Friends brings creative support to children in Kilifi County Referral Hospital - Royal Talens
Foundation

Aisha & Friends biedt creatieve ondersteuning aan kinderen in het Kilifi County Referral Hospital

Door middel van kunst en creativiteit helpt Aisha & Friends de kinderafdeling van het Kilifi County Referral Hospital om een...
A visit with purpose: Municipality of Apeldoorn Visit - Royal Talens
Foundation

Een bezoek met een doel: Bezoek van de gemeente Apeldoorn

In juni verwelkomde de Royal Talens Foundation een brede delegatie van de afdeling Vitaal en Ondernemend Apeldoorn (VOA) van de...
Rabobank International Business visit highlights creativity at Royal Talens Foundation - Royal Talens
Foundation

Bezoek Rabobank International Business benadrukt creativiteit bij de Royal Talens Foundation

De Royal Talens Foundation verwelkomde onlangs Rabobank International Business op haar hoofdkantoor voor een bijeenkomst gericht op uitwisseling en verbinding.