“I want peace! I want my family to smile like before. I want to feel the safe sky and bright warm sun over my head. I want to go to school. I want to freely give joy and happiness with my violin playing”, Illariia, age 7, Zaporizhzhia, Ukraine.

View moving testimonies of war from children. Polish children record their experiences during World War II under German occupation, while Ukrainian children draw the current war. Includes the ‘Mom, I Don’t Want War’ exhibition of the Polish-Ukrainian AAN archival project, courtesy of Polish Embassy NZ, 50 Years NZ-Poland diplomatic relationship.  In addition, there is a spotlight on some of the Polish children from war zones who later made their lives in Auckland.

Heritage Festival runs from Sun 24 Sep–Sun 8 Oct, Tue-Fri: 10am-4pm, Sun: 12pm-5pm. Polish Museum closed Mon & Sat.

Polish Museum, 125 Elliot St, Howick, East Auckland, NZ. Museum entry by donation. Also available as a presentation for groups. Groups please book (small fee applies). Ph 533 3530 or Email phtmuseum@outlook.com to book a date and time to suit.

Image caption:  by Joanna Wczesna, courtesy Polish Embassy NZ