Safer Together – Children’s Day with the Interreg NEXT Poland–Ukraine program

On Sunday, June 14, 2026, an event titled “Safer Together” took place on the playground at Wincenty Witos Primary School in Motycz. The event included an information campaign for projects implemented under the Interreg NEXT Poland-Ukraine program: WaterGardens, WaterProtect, and ZeroHeracleum.

On Sunday, June 14, 2026, an event titled “Safer Together” took place on the playground at Wincenty Witos Primary School in Motycz. The event included an information campaign for projects implemented under the Interreg NEXT Poland-Ukraine program: WaterGardens, WaterProtect, and ZeroHeracleum.

On that day, all participants, especially children and their parents, had the opportunity to participate in educational events and thematic seminars, in particular:

– “How to protect the environment? – we separate waste” – a practical seminar on proper waste separation and recycling principles;

– “Why is water so important for everyone?” – a seminar on the importance of water for health, daily life, and the functioning of the environment;

– ” Invasive plant species – what they look like, who do they threaten, and how to avoid them?” – educational activities highlighting the threats associated with the spread of invasive species.

The ZeroHeracleum project was represented by:

• Dr. Hab. Prof. Anna Rysiak and Dr. hab. Agnieszka Hanaka from Maria Curie-Skłodowska University in Lublin,
• Dr. hab. Andrzej Bochniak, professor at the University of Life Sciences in Lublin,
• Ihor Vuytsyk, Anna Kuszczak, and Dawid Kravchenko from the Lviv Chamber of Agriculture – the project leader.

The ZeroHeracleum project’s stand (prepared by Anna Rysiak and Agnieszka Hanaka) featured numerous visual examples of Sosnowsky’s hogweed: live leaves, banners featuring its image, leaflets about its harmful effects, and tips on how to avoid burns. There were also colourful, themed badges, clothing stickers, keychains, and sweets. The children were most captivated by two powerful binocular biological microscopes, which allowed them to examine the structure of the hogweed leaves and seeds.

The event was held in a game-based format. Various contests, dances, and art competitions were planned for the youngest participants. Children had the opportunity to ride two small ponies, play on inflatable slides, and see fire trucks, medical vehicles, and police vehicles. The event also included a first aid demonstration, aimed at increasing knowledge and skills in responding to life-threatening situations, and a knowledge competition about the European Union, which promotes knowledge about cross-border cooperation.

From time to time, the fun atmosphere was interrupted by heavy summer rain, which drove participants under large tents, where everyone enjoyed a variety of sweets, sandwiches, popcorn, fragrant burgers, and grilled sausages. The event lasted over five hours and concluded with a “Foam Party” prepared for the children by firefighters.

“Today we had a great opportunity to see how engaging, effective, and, most importantly, memorable it is to talk to children about issues important to their lives and health. Such educational activities are no less important than practical research or work on eradicating Sosnowsky’s hogweed. The educational component of our project is present in both countries – Poland and Ukraine. It’s important that such events involve an active exchange of experiences, with partners sharing ideas and acquired skills. This will enable the organization and implementation of events that are not only educational but also interesting for children and their parents,” noted Ihor Vuytsyk, President of the Lviv Chamber of Agriculture.