Hennadiy Melnychuk: in memory of our dear colleague

Today, we say goodbye to our dear colleague and friend, Hennadiy Melnychuk. As he is laid to rest, we remember a man who was once an orphaned child, who became a father, and was a source of inspiration and strength at Care in Action. As a defender of his country Hennadiy still campaigned for children, addressing Ukraine’s parliament by video from the trenches to say “Every child must have a family. I know that. I want this for my country.”

Hennadiy’s childhood experiences shaped his sense of purpose. Entering care at just four years old, he grew up in orphanages — at times among 500 other children. When Janice, Co-founder of Care in Action, met him at age 11, he loved to take part in our activities and would later become a volunteer. Sofia, one of the volunteers who brought cheer to Henna in the orphanage, became his mentor and life-long friend. At 17, Hennadiy found a home with a foster family — a formative experience that remained close to his heart.

In 2018, Hennadiy joined our team full-time. From the outset, he brought optimism, insight, and unwavering commitment to helping children in care.

“It was easy for me to work with teenagers,” Hennadiy once said. “They trusted me. Sometimes I talked about my experience; sometimes I explained that it was worth changing their lives — and that it was possible.”

Hennadiy’s courage in sharing his story made him a national voice for reform. Unafraid of the stigma tied to his childhood in care, he spoke on the radio, at national forums and conferences, explaining the problems of the orphanage system. His advocacy earned him a place in the Office of Children and Youth "DijMO" under Ukraine’s Ministry of Social Policy. His message was clear and strong: every child should have a family.

Care in Action became like a family to Hennadiy. His friendship and good times shared with volunteers enriched his life and ours. Founders Werner and Janice brought him to Germany as part of experience exchanges, including time in the Marktredwitz community. Werner was proud that Hennadiy could grow from care into our team, believing it showed the value of our mission. Hennadiy was welcomed into many homes and hearts.

During the COVID-19 pandemic, Hennadiy helped deliver humanitarian aid to children from orphanages in the most remote villages. When full-scale war broke out, he worked tirelessly to assist displaced families, escorting them to the border and helping them settle into our shelters. He reached out to La Matrioska in Italy — where he had been hosted for a childhood holiday — and organized a truckload of furniture and supplies for our shelter in Vynnyky. He wanted families to find comfort in a suddenly broken world.

“My motto is: If everyone contributes their part the world will be kinder.” - Hennadiy Melnychuk

Hennadiy found joy in being a husband and father. In 2023, he explained to Jasmine that he had already lost 17 of his childhood classmates to the war. His deepest concern, he said, was what might happen to his son when it was his turn to serve.

In 2024, Hennadiy was called up to defend Kharkiv. A year later, on 16 May 2025, his heart stopped beating at the frontline. But his spirit lives on — in the countless lives he touched, in his son, and in his hope that he carried so bravely.

As we honour his final wish for his funeral — a prayer or a moment of thought for the orphaned child — we thank everyone who helped enrich Hennadiy’s life. Thank you for joining us in remembering Hennadiy, and in giving care to children.

Hennadiy was a great colleague.

A true friend. A caring father.

Henna will stay forever in our hearts.