Donation Through the Eyes of Children

Throughout May and June, on the initiative of the TNMU Center for Educational Work and Cultural Development and in cooperation with the Ternopil Regional Blood Service Center, students of the TNMU Faculty of Medicine—Nazarij Krulyk (MM-573) and Nadiia Yaremus (MM-209) organized a series of events highlighting the importance and benefits of blood donation for students in grades 5–9. The meetings were held at Ternopil Specialized School No. 3 and School No. 5 (both with an in-depth study of foreign languages), as well as Kozova Lyceum No. 1.

The students shared with the schoolchildren how vital donor blood is—especially now, during wartime—and spoke about their own experiences as donors. They emphasized that donating blood is neither scary nor painful, and in fact, it can be beneficial to the donor as well. The children actively participated in the discussions, helped dispel common myths about blood donation, and shared personal stories—some of them already familiar with the topic thanks to their donor parents.

After the events, students took part in a creative contest titled “Thank a Donor.” Through their drawings, they expressed their understanding of donation and wrote sincere words of gratitude to people who save lives.

On June 14, to mark World Blood Donor Day, the winners of the contest were honored at a special ceremony held at the Ternopil Regional Blood Service Center, where they received gifts and certificates.

Special thanks go to everyone who supported this initiative.
We are also grateful to the Ternopil Regional Blood Service Center and Vasyl Petrovych Khominets for making these wonderful activities possible.

TNMU students plan to continue these educational efforts in schools, as many adult donors have shared that their first inspiration came from an adult role model back in their childhood.