Ukrainian Children Find Respite from War in Andorra and La Seu d'Urgell

Around 55 Ukrainian children and teenagers aged six to 16 are taking part in the "Vacances amb Pau" programme in La Seu d'Urgell and Andorra, organised by Sor Lucía Caram through the Fundació del Convent de Santa Clara to offer them respite from the war.

The group reached La Seu d'Urgell on Sunday following a bus trip amid heavy Russian bombardments in Ukraine the previous week. Many carried profound trauma, including the violent loss of parents, and arrived with heavy emotional loads. Some cried over leaving their mothers alone back home, while others immediately asked Caram if bombs fall in the area. They were surprised to sleep through the night uninterrupted—a rarity amid years of conflict. Now relaxed and less focused on their phones, the children have begun rediscovering play. Pool sessions and a visit to Parc del Segre in La Seu d'Urgell have visibly brightened their expressions, Caram observed.

For most, this marks their first trip outside Ukraine, first flight, and first time away from family. Born into war, they lack prior experience of peace. Caram stressed the need to avoid normalising their suffering, noting that many have had their childhood stolen. "One way to win the war is to make children smile again," she said, adding that the programme aims to let them simply be children and restore hope, even briefly.

On Wednesday afternoon, they travelled to Andorra, staying at the AINA colony house before a welcome in Andorra la Vella by syndics. The group toured Casa de la Vall and Consell General, where they painted and wrote peace messages on postcards coloured like the Andorran flag for display outside the building. A sign reading "Volem un món millor" stood in the entrance hall. They also visited Santuari de Meritxell. Caram hopes the visit sparks further collaboration with Andorra.

Co-prince bishop and bishop of Urgell, Josep-Lluís Serrano Pentinat, welcomed them at Seminari Conciliar and lauded the nation's role. "As Principality of Andorra, we are very pleased today because we have contributed to peace in our international community, and as a sovereign country, we want to uphold this humanitarian right by hosting these boys and girls," he said.

Caram described the war situation as worse now than at the invasion's start and vowed to continue such efforts until victory brings peace. Her foundation has run 44 humanitarian corridors to Ukraine, aiding 4,000 refugees to Catalonia and delivering 210 ambulances for the wounded, including a June convoy with 21 ambulances.

Spanish defence and interior ministries, along with national police, supported the journey, complemented by Andorran assistance. More activities lie ahead in Alt Urgell, including additional pool time, a visit to Catedral de Santa Maria d'Urgell, and Sant Joan de l'Erm.

One child remarked: "I like that we can spend time here without thinking about the war, and we thank those who helped make this trip possible."