163 Letters Dreaming of Peace: Ukrainian Children’s Voices Heard in Italy
The National Congress of Ukrainian Associations in Italy (CNAUI) has received 163 letters from Ukrainian schoolchildren — from all over Ukraine, from big cities and small communities, from frontline areas. Every one of them is addressed to children of their own age in Italy, who today live in peace and freedom but who sincerely support Ukraine.
These messages are more than just words. They are the voice of a generation that has grown up to the sound of air-raid sirens, yet has not stopped dreaming.
These are diaries of hope, written not in exercise books but in children’s hearts.
Every letter has its own story.
Some dream of going back to school without air-raid alerts. Some want to see their friends who have moved abroad again. Some write about a future in which Ukraine is strong, free and at peace. And some simply want silence, so they can fall asleep without being afraid of the night.
Ukrainian children reach out to their Italian friends with heartfelt words of support and friendship. They share what makes them strong and what makes them vulnerable. But above all, they share a dream — one that belongs to everyone.
The dream of peace.
At the Congress we will gather all 163 letters — their thoughts, drawings and dreams — and pass them on to schools in Italy as part of the “100×100: Bridges of Education” project. Let Italian children feel what a child’s courage means. Let them hear the voices of those who today stand guard over the future of the world.
Because when children speak of peace, the world must listen.
And we believe these letters will become one more bridge connecting Ukraine and Italy — a bridge of friendship, understanding and humanity.
