Summer School 2024 and the story of Yurii Latushkin

Looking back, we are still reflecting on and celebrating the highly successful 2024 edition of the Summer School, which we had the pleasure of organizing in cooperation with the Help Ukrainians Association. Just like last year, we look back on this occasion with a big smile, knowing that we once again brought joy to the faces of the children of our Ukrainian colleagues. These memories are very important to us, because they were moments when the children were able to enjoy a short break from the war that is still going on to this day. At the same time, we wanted to encourage them to not only learn from each other but also how to work in a team and to foster a sense of togetherness. That shared experience ensured that they came away knowing that they are not alone in this difficult time, they have each other. Friends for life! 

This year’s Summer School was called The Shipbuilder’s Adventure Camp and took place at our Community Centre in Galati, Romania. During the week, a group of 21 teenagers from Ukraine, Romania and Poland were fully engaged in building a real-life miniature vessel. 

The teenagers explored the world of shipbuilding by familiarising themselves with every stage of the shipbuilding process while under the guidance of experienced engineers. With their support, the young people had the opportunity to practice something of interest to each of them. For instance, constructing things, drawing and painting, making promotional materials, communicating and presenting.  

The main goals of this camp were to provide them with practical knowledge of shipbuilding processes and industry insights, while also enhancing their abilities in project management, presentation delivery, teamwork, problem solving, and of course, having fun with each other and spending time together! 

During the preparatory work leading up to this week, we had the invaluable help of Yurii Latushkin. Yurii is a 19-year-old from Odessa, Ukraine, who, along with his mother and father, had to leave his homeland due to the ongoing war. This experience drastically changed Yurii’s life. Thanks in part to the role of his father, Mykolay Latushkin, who works at Damen as a consultant at the HR Expertise Centre and serves as a contact person for Foundation Damen Support, Yurii was given the opportunity to complete an internship at the Marketing and Communications department of Damen in Gorinchem. Here, he learned about the daily operations and was responsible for preparing the annual Summer School. 

Yurii’s internship took place in both Gorinchem and Galati where he supported his father with the organization of the Summer School. In a short interview, he explained: “I was concerned for the safety of the young people and ensuring the success of this special week, but I received only positive reactions from the participants. They said they liked the fact that I did not restrict them in any way, and because there wasn’t much age difference between me and them, we were on the same wavelength, even though I was there for other purposes. Moreover, everyone enjoyed making new friendships, working together on a project and being responsible for their own contribution to the project while at the same time they gained new skills and overcame their fears. For instance, one boy overcame his fear of public speaking. That was very moving to see.” 

We also asked Yurii what his personal highlight was of this year’s Summer School. “For me personally, the best moment that week was that I was truly loved and accepted for who I am,” he said. “The kids listened to me and respected me just as I listened to them. I believe that being authentic is key to a great life and achieving excellent results at work. We are who we are.”  

Yurii very much enjoyed the two weeks he spent with us in Gorinchem: “I would have liked to have stayed longer, learning new skills and contributing even more to the company,” he says. “I hope to work at Damen again someday. It’s One family, One Damen.

This is exactly what Foundation Damen Support stands for. We help our colleagues and their families when they are in need, wherever they are and whatever the crisis may be. 

A special thanks to father and son, Mykolay and Yurii Latushkin, and everyone else who contributed to making this year’s Summer School a big success!