MANIVTSI / Velbivka

This initiative operates as an ongoing research platform for children and youth in the Poltava region, who regularly embark on walking and cycling expeditions throughout their native land. Participants keep field journals to document local flora, fauna, and landscapes while recording the memories of the older generation. By conversational engagement with elderly residents, the youth collect authentic micro-toponyms and family lore, which they subsequently analyze in depth during regular reflection sessions. The primary outcome of this practice is the continuous mapping of surveyed routes, historical names, and natural landmarks onto a large physical map of the village, which participants regularly present to the wider community during public gatherings and photographic exhibitions.

Our initiative explores the village of Velbivka by engaging children and youth in researching local history, place names, natural heritage, and collective memory. Its aim is to strengthen young people’s connection to their village, develop their research skills, and co-create a “living map” of Velbivka.

The work takes place two to three times per month with a group of 5–10 young participants from Velbivka in the Poltava region. Together, they go on walking and cycling expeditions to meaningful local sites, collect and interpret traditional place names through conversations with older residents, observe local biodiversity, and document plants, animals, and landscapes in a shared field journal. The participants also record oral histories, family stories, and local legends.

After each expedition, the group gathers for reflection sessions to review and organize their findings, discuss observations, and plan next steps. Throughout the project, they collaboratively create a large physical map of the village, marking routes, names, and cultural and natural landmarks.

The process concludes with a public presentation for the local community, where participants share the map, collected stories, photographs, and key insights. The expected outcomes include increased youth engagement, a stronger sense of local identity, preservation of oral history, the creation of a unique community map, and the development of intergenerational dialogue.

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