Kids’ Own is happy to announce our collaboration with Ukrainian poet and performer Olha Matso on a new book project focused on Ukrainian and Irish children. This initiative highlights our dedication to encouraging creativity and promoting intercultural exchange. Thanks to the support from the Arts Council, we can offer unique opportunities for diverse voices and perspectives to shine.

Olha Matso, an acclaimed poet who won the Scholarship of the President of Ukraine for Young Writers in 2021, is also featured in the Poetry Ireland Introductions series for 2023. She has participated in international art festivals and cultural events across Ukraine, Austria, the Czech Republic, and Ireland. Reflecting on her involvement with Kids’ Own, Olha shares:

“I was pleasantly surprised when I accidentally saw an open call for Ukrainian writers to work with Kids’ Own on a book-making project. I was really impressed by the idea of creating a book by children for children and about children, and my inner child told me that this is my dream job! I predicted that it would be so exciting – to be involved in the creation of something beautiful and important for the future.”

Olha has been collaborating with Irish writers Jo Holmwood and Mary Branley, as well as artist Sharon Kelly in Bundoran. The workshops have provided a platform for children to express their cultural experiences and stories. About her experience, Olha says:

“It was an incredible experience for me working in a creative atmosphere with interesting children’s thoughts and stories on creating a book about their lives. I was inspired to create with young individuals as they are full of ideas, energy, and truly creative, playful, and serious at the same time. I believe that art is always a perfect opportunity to talk about different experiences, including troubles, in an honest, powerful way.”

Supported by the Movement for Good Awards from Benefact Group, this project connects Irish and Ukrainian children, offering them a chance to build friendships and express themselves through art and writing. The culmination will be a multilingual book distributed to schools across Ireland, impacting thousands of children.

This partnership with Olha Matso and other artists marks a significant step in celebrating cultural diversity and the power of children’s voices. We are excited to share the “Best book ever,” as Olha calls it, with communities throughout Ireland.

Read more about our Ukrainian book project here: https://kidsown.ie/new-book-project-with-children-from-ukrainian-irish-and-other-cultures-in-donegal/