Concrete Blocks From Former Military Checkpoints Turned into Inspiring Adventure in Kyiv

Magical creatures will help support kids who have lost their parents due to the war.

Every child deserves a happy childhood, especially those in the middle of an active war who continue to experience shelling and air raids. Concrete by Kovalska, a leading manufacturer of high-quality concrete and reinforced concrete products in Ukraine, came up with a unique idea to create a magical atmosphere for Ukrainian children and give them an adventure during the winter holidays.

Since the beginning of the invasion, the company has created over 11,000 reinforced concrete blocks that are used by the military to create road checkpoints. However, some of these reinforced concrete blocks are no longer in use but remain on the roadsides in the capital, reminding both children and adults alike of the danger around them. Rather than leaving these concrete blocks unused, ten locations were transformed into whimsical characters in time for the New Year’s festivities. These fictional creatures also faced the hardships of war, but now they serve a much different purpose. Each installation has a scannable QR code with a link to a quest or challenge. Children and their parents must find all ten characters on the streets of Kyiv in order to compete for prizes.

“As a mother of three children, I share the same feelings as other Ukrainian parents during the war. I chose to stay in Ukraine despite all this anxiety, fear, and guilt. That’s why I try to turn every descent into the bomb shelter with my daughter into a game and try to control myself during every missile attack,” says Olha Pylypenko, Executive Director of Kovalska Group of Companies.

“This is the reality for millions of families. Even when we are not hiding from the shelling, the war haunts us when we encounter checkpoints, anti-tank hedges, and trenches scattered around the city. It increases our anxiety and makes us feel this sense of danger. But war should not be a routine for our children – they have already given their childhood to it. That is why we decided to decorate these gray concrete blocks, at least for the bright winter holidays, and make them into cheerful, colorful characters, which is so lacking at this time.”

In addition to being able to take part in the quest, you can also donate to Children of Heroes via the installation. Together with the Foundation, Concrete by Kovalska is also launching the Creative Academy initiative, which will provide art therapy to children of fallen Ukrainians to help them develop their creative potential through drawing, sculping, pottery and photography. Each donation will help expand the program and increase the number of children that are able to take part. Prizes will also be offered to the participants who complete each quest and donate to the Fund.