Recreation zone instead of wild beach

Charitable Foundation "OTAVA" was created at the end of 2014. The mission was defined immediately – ensuring positive changes in society through providing comprehensive assistance and building sustainable connections.

For 10 years the foundation's main activities were: providing social services to vulnerable populations, training and psychological support for social workers, developing mediation in Dnipropetrovsk region, monitoring visits within the national preventive mechanism.

At the beginning of Russia's full-scale invasion of Ukraine, BF "Otava" representatives for two months almost 24 hours a day consulted, coordinated, fed IDPs and those leaving the country. People needing qualified psychological help were referred to specialists.

Evacuation, tons of work in the public sector, instability and uncertainty about tomorrow led to organizational transformations. In 2023 the team expanded and three main work directions were defined:

· community development

· recovery and reconstruction

· small business support.

In this project we want to focus on Pereshchepyno OTG, bordering Kharkiv region. Currently the community has almost 21 thousand residents, accepted over 2.5 thousand IDPs and became temporary shelter or second home for many Ukrainians fleeing war. The "Otava" foundation head with a four-year-old child is no exception, also moved from Dnipro, because rural areas are safer and quieter than big cities.

Picturesque landscapes, rivers and lakes, clean air, scent of fragrant herbs from meadows, starry sky, wild birds and animals you can quietly observe – these are absolute advantages of village life. But modern people increasingly look toward urbanization. Developing villages while preserving their authenticity is a difficult but interesting task.

BF "Otava" wants to take a small step toward solving this big complex issue. We propose to arrange one of the wild beaches into a recreation zone, without violating nature's laws, maximally using natural materials and secondary raw materials. What we'll do:

• barbecue zone
• children's space
• volleyball court.

This year's abnormally hot summer added confidence to our team that we chose the right direction. The lake by the forest with stunning landscapes hospitably welcomed and saved everyone: children and adults. Nature truly heals, we all know this. And this is what we need now!



War is a huge evil that causes much pain, grief and losses. Those lucky to survive must take maximum care of themselves and recover, because only Ukrainians can save Ukraine.