Who would have thought that a chance encounter could lead to a life dedicated to making people laugh? For Olha Sierykh, it was a case of right place, right time as an unexpected twist of fate led her to her first Clowns Without Borders UK (CWB) training. An artist based in Ukraine, she’s currently supporting us laugh and play with children in her country. Read our chat with Olha!
CWB: Are you a clown by birth or did you choose to be one of us?
Olha: It was actually quite unexpected! I found myself at a Clowns Without Borders training as a hospital clown because a last-minute spot opened up. There, I met Edward Morgan and his amazing team.
It was truly transformative. I was impressed by the team spirit of the clowns and the comprehensive programme material. It provided a clear structure for the activities and helped me understand the impact of their work. This training not only changed my life but also equipped me with valuable knowledge that I incorporate into my professional activities to this day.
CWB: Why do you think the work Clowns do is so important?
Olha: Their approach is fantastic! It uses playfulness and simplicity to teach children valuable life lessons. They learn about themselves, how to interact with their surroundings, and take responsibility for their actions.
It also changed my perspective on working with children. Before that, I thought I knew everything about children and how to work with them. But after experiencing CWB’s methodology, I realised there’s always room for improvement. The “live, learn, and lead” approach resonated deeply with me. It provided new resources and a fresh understanding of how to build engaging programs for both children and adults. We even use these techniques in corporate events to create a playful and collaborative atmosphere.
CWB: Can you share a story that has stayed with you throughout your work as a hospital clown?
Olha: There are many, but one in particular stands out. Every New Year, we volunteer to bring cheer to children in the oncology department at a children’s hospital. One year, we met a little girl named Emma, who was only one year and seven months old. She was undergoing chemotherapy and was very sick. Initially, she was hesitant and hid behind her mother. But gradually, despite the pain and fatigue, she started to smile and play with us. It was a beautiful moment of connection, but sadly, she passed away a week later.
It was heartbreaking for all of us. While we can’t get attached to patients, her zest for life truly touched us. Time passed, and her mother, experiencing immense grief, gave birth to another girl and named her Vera, which means “to believe.” She even invited me to be Vera’s godmother. So, this story actually has a happy ending – we became family!
CWB: What brings you the most joy in your work?
Olha: Simply interacting and connecting with children. Understanding their needs and choosing the right program to keep them engaged and learning is incredibly rewarding. Seeing them smile, sing, dance, and just be kids – it’s pure magic! In those moments, I feel like a child right along with them, and that’s a valuable feeling.
CWB: If you could change one thing in the world, what would it be?
Olha: I would love to see a shift in how people treat each other. More respect for choices, more gratitude, and more sincerity. I believe in sharing and incorporating playfulness into life. Additionally, I would advocate for greater awareness and a more responsible attitude towards our natural resources.