Creative Laboratory Ahtme.
Grassroots volunteer initiative: Creative Lab and mutual aid for seniors and refugees in Ahtme.
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Financial Contributions
Your small contribution makes a big difference. It covers the cost of tea and light treats for a senior citizen during our socialization gatherings... Read more
This donation covers the cost of the necessary materials for our hands-on creative workshops, with a focus on high-quality and safe resources. It i... Read more
Your contribution directly covers the purchase of cognitive training games like Tangrams to support the mental well-being of our senior participants Read more
High-quality art supplies are the heart of our lab. This donation helps us provide the necessary tools for our creative workshops: professional bru... Read more
This contribution provides safe and easy-to-use air-dry clay for our creative workshops. It is a fantastic medium that requires no baking, making i... Read more
This is our current dream for the Laboratory: to acquire a set of professional mini-trainers for hands and fingers. While we don't have them yet, w... Read more
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News from Creative Laboratory Ahtme.
Updates on our activities and progress.
From Macedonian-style shooting to "laboratory-style drawing."
"Fear Inaction": How to Bring Meaning Back into Social Initiatives.
Report on the 18th Meeting: New Horizons and Summer at the Akhtme Library.
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Do we have a right to the best?!
Published on April 29, 2026 by Serhii Zlotnikov
Have you ever subconsciously skimped on your dreams? We buy plain paper, cheaper pencils, telling ourselves, "When I really learn, then I'll buy something good." But the truth is, a rusty old saw won't let a carpenter appreciate th...
About
We are a grassroots volunteer-led collective of active seniors and refugees in Ahtme. Our center is a "Mutual Aid Hive" designed to foster social connection, emotional well-being, and cognitive vitality through shared creativity, artisan crafts, and engaging intellectual activities.
What we do at every meeting:
Brain Fitness: We start every session with fun memory games and logic puzzles to keep our minds sharp and engaged.
Clay Sculpting & Artisan Crafts: Enjoying creative handiwork and emotional relaxation. We cast our own plaster and gypsum figures to keep our activities sustainable.
Bibabo Puppet Theater: Bringing classic stories and community tales to life through interactive mini-performances that spark joy and bring people together
Literary & Cinema Club: Reading books and watching films followed by deep discussions to stimulate the mind and spirit.
Our Team:
The project was founded and is led by Serhii Zlotnikov and Aleksandr Zimovets, refugees from Ukraine, both active seniors (60+) and certified Volunteer Companions (Vabatahtlikud seltsilised). We believe that age is a time for growth, not isolation. We don't just provide "help" — we provide a platform for seniors to lead and create.
Our Financial Philosophy: Continuity and Transparency
We do not seek personal cash donations or profit. Our mission is to ensure the continuity and survival of our project. We ask for materials and resources ("fuel") to keep the Laboratory alive. This approach ensures that every bit of support goes directly into the hands of our seniors, bringing them the joy of creativity and the warmth of communication. Our "Zero-Cash" Transparency Model:
To ensure 100% financial integrity and protect our volunteer status, we do not receive direct bank transfers or handle cash. All support is managed through the Open Collective Europe platform. The foundation pays for our materials (clay, paints, and tools) directly via invoices from suppliers. We focus purely on our social mission, leaving all financial logistics to the platform.
Support our mission via Amazon Wishlist (Materials only): https://www.amazon.de/hz/wishlist/ls/1QLTWO9P53T27?ref_=wl_share
Our team
Serhii Zlotnikov
Oleksandr Zym...