Painted Windows, Real Hope: LIBERECO Switzerland at the 2026 Siemens Summer Festival
LIBERECO attended the 2026 Siemens Summer Festival in Munich. Our programme associate, Alex Valin, was there to present LIBERECO and our ‘Windows for Ukraine’ project, as well as working with children and families to create something that extends far beyond a single day of celebration. We were invited by our funding partner, Siemens Caring Hands […]
LIBERECO attended the 2026 Siemens Summer Festival in Munich. Our programme associate, Alex Valin, was there to present LIBERECO and our ‘Windows for Ukraine’ project, as well as working with children and families to create something that extends far beyond a single day of celebration. We were invited by our funding partner, Siemens Caring Hands e.V., without whom this project would not have been possible.
Why windows?
Since Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, thousands of homes, schools and hospitals have had their windows destroyed. All that remains are hastily boarded-up openings offering little protection against the cold, wind and rain — let alone the freezing Ukrainian winter. With every broken window, a sense of security, home, and normality is lost, as well as heat.
In Switzerland, however, over 20 million square metres of intact windows are discarded every year, many of which are in excellent condition. This is precisely the problem that “Windows for Ukraine” aims to solve. In collaboration with our partner RE-WIN, we collect high-quality, used windows throughout Switzerland. Our project partner AoS then transports them to Ukraine, where they are installed in private homes and public buildings while damaged building facades are repaired.
Our focus is on the most vulnerable people: older adults, families with children, and those unable to manage reconstruction independently. We also reach places where life goes on despite the war, such as schools where children learn, hospitals where people receive treatment, and community centres where neighbourhoods find renewed strength. By reusing second-hand windows, we conserve resources and take a sustainable approach to reconstruction.
A colourful message from children to children
The project was brought to life at the Siemens Caring Hands booth, where anyone could take part. Children and families painted window decorations, creating colourful designs and adding personal messages, suns, hearts, and much more besides.
What emerged was so much more than just an afternoon of arts and crafts. These were messages from children to children. Here, children in Munich drew pictures for children in Ukraine, whose lives have been devastated by war. Every single picture carries the same message — ‘We’re thinking of you.’ You’re not alone.
Alex was particularly moved by how seriously and intently the youngest children engaged with the activity. Children often understand what it’s all about without needing many words: that, somewhere else, other children are cold and that a painted window can convey a powerful message. This immediacy is precisely what makes such moments so valuable — for those who paint and for those who will one day hold the result in their hands.
Rebuilding begins with a window
Ukraine still needs our support. The war is still raging, and the road to reconstruction will be a long one. However, it starts with each window that is replaced, each wall that is rebuilt, and each message of hope that reaches its destination. We are therefore pleased to announce that the project will continue to deliver windows to Ukraine until September 2027.
We would like to express our sincere gratitude to our funding partner, Siemens Caring Hands e.V.!
More about the project: