Ukraine：Bringing Moments of Smiles to Children -- A Special Extracurricular Activity Using Home Bakery --
As of February 2026, four years have passed since the Russian invasion of Ukraine began. While elementary schools in Ukraine are gradually transitioning from remote learning back to in-person classes, frequent air raid alerts continue to disrupt daily school operations, forcing schools to conduct limited lessons.
Whenever an alert is issued, all students and staff are required to evacuate to shelters until it is lifted. This prolonged situation has placed considerable emotional strain on many children. In response, concerned teachers reached out to Panasonic Ukraine in the spring of 2025, asking if activities could be organized to help uplift the children.
Emotional Well-Being Support Using Panasonic Home Bakery
Panasonic's home bakery, a market leader in Ukraine, was selected as the centerpiece for a special extracurricular activity designed to bring smiles and emotional relief to children. Led by members of the Field Marketing Team, Panasonic Ukraine worked closely with schools and held the first session at an elementary school in Kyiv in July 2025.
Ivan, Leader of the Panasonic Ukraine Field Marketing Team, explaining the bread-making process
During the lesson, the bread-making process was explained, and the children were divided into teams to work together.
After placing the ingredients into the home bakery machines, the waiting time was filled with introductions to Panasonic's history and interactive quizzes, creating an engaging and enjoyable experience for all. As the aroma of freshly baked bread gradually filled the classroom, the children's anticipation grew.
They then shared the freshly baked bread together and exchanged their impressions with one another.
This bread workshop has been well received as an initiative that not only offers children the joy of working together, but also provides a comforting experience that supports their emotional well-being.
Children making bread
Freshly baked bread
FY 2025 Activities and Future Plans
Beginning in July 2025, a total of 11 sessions were held mainly in Kyiv, with around 200 children participating as of February 2026. These activities also included two classes conducted at a summer camp for children evacuated from conflict areas.
However, since the end of 2025, frequent power outages caused by attacks on energy facilities have made it increasingly difficult to operate the activities as planned.
However, since the end of 2025, frequent power outages caused by attacks on energy facilities have made it increasingly difficult to operate the activities as planned.
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