First ladies of Ukraine and Germany presented a book project in Frankfurt

According to Chytomo’s correspondent Victoria Feshchuk, the first lady of Ukraine Olena Zelenska and the first lady of Germany Elke Büdenbender met at the Frankfurt Book Fair.

During their talk they presented a non-profit project Better Time Stories aimed at supporting child refugees in the Netherlands, Flanders (Belgium), Germany and Austria. One of the things that can be done via the project is purchase of children’s books and sending them to Ukrainian refugees in Germany. One also can leave a request for a book or donate children’s books at the link on the project’s web site.

“Anyone in Germany can support the project financially and become a patron for Ukrainian families, help kids get their Motherland back and build a bridge to their dads who stay in Ukraine,” said Elke Büdenbender.

Ukrainian publishers, such as Ranok and Old Lion Publishing House also joined the project.

“Our children whether in Ukraine or abroad are deprived of normal childhood, families are separated. Many fathers and mothers are fighting on the Frontline. Routine rituals such as reading can let them feel home again,” mentioned Olena Zelenska.

Ukrainian and German first ladies read some books for the Better Time Stories project.

“Reading is the foundation for psychological resilience and growth,” added Zelenska.

The Better Time Stories project was initiated by Andrii Shmyhelsky.

It shall be reminded that on October 20, the President of Ukrainian Publishers & Booksellers Association, Oleksandr Afonin, also delivered a speech at the Frankfurt Book Fair.

2022 Frankfurt Book Fair was taking place on October 19-23. Ukraine was represented by 10 writers and 43 publishers.