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We are helping children who are displaced and separated from their parents in Dnipro, a region severely affected by war. In 2024, 47 children who experienced loss – some also had to evacuate under fire - received vital support that goes beyond basic needs to include emotional, educational, psychological, and legal aid.
As these children experience positive changes in their lives, we are confident they will have better long-term prospects. Thanks to donors from Germany and cooperation with our local partner in Dnipro - the "Maximum" Charitable Foundation - children have:
For example Lilia, who became the permanent guardian of her sister Oksana, wrote:
“Career guidance meetings and excursions helped us the most - they helped my sister better understand her strengths and think about the future. The monthly financial assistance and aid was also very important, because we could cover Oksana's needs. The English tutoring fees helped my sister becauase we couldn't afford it ourselves.
“I especially remember the warm meetings in the support groups - these were the moments when we felt understood and supported. The enteraining excursions, interesting meetings and educational events gave the children a lot of joy and unforgettable impressions. Thanks to your project, we never felt alone with our problems. Thank you for everything you do for us and for other families. It is incredibly important to us!”
In 2024 children and their guardians were provided with a wide range of services:
This story shows how important comprehensive support is for shaping new outcomes for displaced children and families.
In 2023, Julia was only 19 when her life changed forever. Together with her 10-year-old brother Mykola, she evacuated from her native Popasna, a city that the war wiped off the face of the earth. "Our city is no longer there," says Yulia. Their parents were not allowed to leave the occupied territory. Tragically, they also lost another brother who was killed after they fled.
After the evacuation, Yulia had to not only adapt to a new environment, but also officially become Mykola's guardian. The siblings found a home with distant relations, preserving their religious tradition - together they attend church twice a week, finding spiritual support and peace there.
Despite all the difficulties, Yulia is able to continue her education. She is studying at a pedagogical university and is building on her experience as a kindergarten assistant. Her goal is to become a teacher, attain a Master's Degree and help other children in the way she has been helped. Thanks to our support, she received funding for her studies, which enabled her to pursue her dream.
Mykola, who is now in the 7th grade, regularly attends school and actively participates in activities at Maxymum Charitable Foundation. Thanks to consistent support, he feels more confident, is making friends, and growing as a person.
The children have better legal and emotional security thanks to holistic and stable support. Every family caring for a child had help to renew temporary guardianship or to move to permanent guardianship, and to apply for state support. With our encouragement for long-term care when this is in the child’s best interest, three children now have permanent legal guardians, two more are registering, and three children have reunited with their parents.
Educational outcomes have also improved: ten teenagers improved their grades, and eight children are showing good progress in extra-curricular clubs, even winning prizes in competitions.
Despite the impact of the war on mental health, long-term psychological assistance has had a positive effect: the level of anxiety and depression has decreased, mood has improved, and children's ability to emotionally self-regulate and overcome traumatic memories has increased. These positive steps were strengthened through support groups and family activities, where children and caregivers who have similar experiences have formed valuable bonds and friendships.
"For us, it is important not just to provide assistance, but to be there for them. This project is a combined effort of heart, knowledge and experience, so that every child can grow up feeling supported, and every caregiver is not left alone with their challenges. We want children to have a childhood even in difficult times like these, to be able to develop and to know that there are trustworthy adults nearby whom they can rely on," says Sofia Furtak-Perdomo, programme coordinator.
We thank our project partners - the Maximum Charitable Foundation - for their constant support and joint desire to change the lives of so many children for the better. Our cooperation is an example of a true partnership based on trust, care and a shared mission.
We sincerely thank our donors in Germany for their generosity and sustained support. Thanks to you, children who have experienced loss, evacuation and separation from their families have a chance for a new life, security and development.
It's easy to do and we'll show you how! You can simply share our news or lend your skills and expertise. You can also challenge yourself with a fundraiser or introduce us to your school, church or workplace.