war story
Harz, Germany - Nov 12, 2024
Femina e.V.A Community of Support, Art, and Transformation
Femina e.V.
A Community of
Support, Art, and
Transformation
By Julia Tsybulevska
Harz, Germany, Nov 12, 2024
ai Fostering Community and
Creativity for Women of All
Backgrounds
aiIn today’s world, it is
important to stand together,
help one another, and foster
the human qualities that
combat depression and
negativity. This is the aim of
an organization called Femina
e.V., founded in 2010 in
Germany, with its
headquarters in the
picturesque Harz region. The
name “Femina” translates to
“woman,” and the
organization supports women
of all backgrounds in their
daily lives and paths to
integration, providing a
platform for exchange,
development, and
self‑support. Importantly,
everyone who is open to other
cultures and willing to
share—be they men, children,
or seniors—is also welcome!
aiBefore February 2022
Femina e.V. organized
language and computer
courses, provided
consultations for women
entering entrepreneurship,
assisted ladies with local
authorities, offered
interpreting services, and
provided psychological
support. We realized that
sharing positive experiences
motivated and inspired others,
leading us to organize a series
of meetings featuring women
speakers who had navigated
similar journeys of coming to a
foreign country and finding
their paths. Among our guests
was an opera singer from
Armenia now performing at
the Hanover Opera House.
These meetings fostered a
sense of unity and hope.
aiRecognizing the need for
women to express
themselves, we launched a
series of workshops where
each woman, as an expert in
her field, shared insights into
her profession and offered
practical exercises. We held
workshops for children using a
technique called
“Sensoplastic,” and listened to
success stories from several
businesswomen who inspired
us all.
aiWith the outbreak of war in
Ukraine, many Ukrainian
women joined our gatherings,
and we welcomed them with
open hearts. The first months
were filled with tears and
heart‑wrenching stories.
During this time, having a
place to come together and
share was crucial. These
meetings gradually turned into
weekly gatherings with
several work groups forming.
aiIt is well‑known that art and
creative development play
significant roles in promoting
positive thinking and unity. In
2023, we launched several
new projects for both children
and adults.
Femina e.V. welcomes
everyone who wishes to
join us on our path toward
human unity, creative
development, and mutual
support!
aiOne such initiative is
“HarzerTanzkids,” a dance
project for children aged three
and up. Families met twice a
week, with their children
trained by professional dance
teacher Iryna Korotaiva, who
fled from Odessa after the
bombing. After 1.5 years of
training, the children recently
performed at the Town Annual
Party, celebrating the 500th
anniversary of the mining
authority in
Clausthal‑Zellerfeld, a
university town in the Harz
region. More than 1,000
guests from across Germany
attended this celebration.
aiSimultaneously, we
developed other projects, such
as “HarzerSingkids” and
“Harzer Malkids,” focusing on
singing and painting for
children. While the kids were
busy with these activities,
their parents found
opportunities as well, leading
to the establishment of an
adult choir under the guidance
of Anna Dziubinska, a talented
actress and singer from Kiev.
The choir performed at various
nursing homes in the region
and at the town party in
September. Many songs were
of Ukrainian origin, bringing
tears to the faces of local
Ukrainians who came to listen
and feel a sense of home.
Alongside the choir, authentic
Ukrainian dance performances
were presented by talented
dancer Yehor Boiko from
Kharkiv.
aiOther activities for adults
include dance courses
specifically for women and
contemporary dance classes
for both adults and teenagers.
Anna Makarevich, an
enthusiastic dance teacher
from Ukraine, trains a group of
adults and teenagers and
formed an ensemble called
“Vilni,” meaning “Free” in
Ukrainian, which also
showcased their skills at the
recent party. At just 18 years
old, Anna demonstrates
incredible drive and teaching
talent, and we believe she has
the potential to become a
renowned professional trainer.
aiFemina e.V. organizes
workshops on various
subjects. Recently, our
talented Tatiana Majstrishin
conducted a painting
workshop where participants
created their own sunflower
artworks. Another workshop
focused on creating a
traditional Ukrainian doll
called “Motanka,” taught by
two enthusiastic women from
Ukraine. Each participant went
home with a handmade doll.
Additionally, a project called
“City at Stones” was initiated,
where town scenes are
painted on stones to beautify
the local environment,
receiving support from local
authorities. Another ongoing
project is the “Wimmelbuch
Clausthal‑Zellerfeld” (Wordless
Picture Book), led by Valeri
Lefler, who has already
created the first pages.
aiMany other courses are in
progress, including German
language courses, English for
various purposes, and
thematic evenings that aim to
immerse participants in the
atmosphere of the 1920s,
reconstructing that bygone
feeling and flair
aiWe aim to create a
motivating environment filled
with joy and positive energy
through art and culture.
Femina e.V. has a board that is
open to all ideas and
suggestions. This year, Ms.
Julia Tsybulevska was elected
as the Board Director. She
moved to Germany from
Ukraine in 2000 and is actively
involved in the social life of
the region. Julia is dedicated
to sharing her experiences
and possesses a keen ability
to recognize talent in others,
striving to nurture and support
everyone in their endeavors.
She speaks several languages
and is engaged internationally.
Femina logo
Harzer "TanzKids" in action ( 3-6 year olds dancing)
Training
At an annual city event, celebrating 500 year anniversary
Vocal Ensemble
Painting workshop " Sunflowers"
Harzer "Singkids" – music lessons for kids
Performance at the annual town celebration
"Motanka" workshop
Learning German
Home-made cookies for the Christmas market
" Malkids"- drawing lessons for kids
Contemporary dance classes for teenagers
Femina logo
Harzer "TanzKids" in action ( 3‑6 year olds dancing)
Training
Femina logo
Harzer "TanzKids" in action ( 3-6 year olds dancing)
Training
At an annual city event, celebrating 500 year anniversary
Vocal Ensemble
Painting workshop " Sunflowers"
Harzer "Singkids" – music lessons for kids
Performance at the annual town celebration
"Motanka" workshop
Learning German
Home-made cookies for the Christmas market
" Malkids"- drawing lessons for kids
Contemporary dance classes for teenagers
Website
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#women support, creativity, workshops, empowerment, development, German and English courses
