A charity concert for Ukraine titled “Two Port Cities – One Heart,” held yesterday (May 7) in Klaipėda, brought together hundreds of young performers and community members for a shared mission — to support students in the city of Odesa who are living under wartime conditions. During the event, which took place on May 7 at the Žvejų Rūmai Cultural Centre, a total of €14,755 was raised for three schools in Odesa that continue to operate during the war.
Around 500 students from Klaipėda Lyceum, Klaipėda Vydūnas Gymnasium, and Klaipėda Eduardo Balsys Arts Gymnasium participated in the concert. Approximately 250 young performers appeared on stage at the same time, while the highlight of the evening was a joint performance by all the schools together with singer Edmundas Kučinskas, symbolically uniting different communities into one voice. Together, the singer and the children performed the song “World, Let the Children Grow Up.”
The event is part of the developing school solidarity network “Klaipėda Students for Odesa Students,” which connects educational institutions in Klaipėda and Odesa. Its goal is not only to provide financial support, but also to build long-term relationships between students, strengthen civic awareness, and support Ukrainian children in their daily lives.
“What happened on stage was more than a concert. It was living proof that children can create connections that transcend distance and even the reality of war. Our goal is for this solidarity network to grow and become a long-term platform where children learn to be responsible for one another,” says Associate Professor Dr. Regina Kontautienė, Chairwoman of the Board of Klaipėda Lyceum.
The funds raised will be allocated to Odesa Lyceum “Harmony,” as well as Lyceums No. 84 and No. 9, to improve educational conditions, strengthen student well-being, and upgrade computer equipment.
Project initiator Sigitas Benediktas Jurčys emphasized that the initiative was born from a simple but important desire to take action: “We wanted this to be more than a one-time campaign. This network allows children not only to talk about values, but to experience them — through joint projects, creativity, and real support.”
Event host and ambassador Darius Jurgelevičius highlighted the importance of human connection: “Sometimes the distance between cities seems very great. But when hundreds of children stand together on stage, you realize that distance disappears. What remains is a very simple message: we are together — you are not alone.”
One of the project’s key directions is helping preserve and nurture talented Ukrainian students whose educational opportunities have been severely limited during the war. Klaipėda Lyceum has already invited four students from Odesa to study there, providing them with full support and the opportunity to continue their education in a safe environment.
The event organizers stress that “Two Port Cities – One Heart” is not just a one-time concert, but the beginning of a long-term partnership. It is hoped that the school solidarity network will continue to expand and involve even more educational institutions and communities.
Klaipėda and Odesa are partner cities connected by the sea, history, and an increasingly strong human bond. This concert is an example that even in the most difficult circumstances, unity can become the strongest support.
We invite you to relive the most heartfelt moments of the concert: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0s_ZWf7vs54
