Securing food and education for children in Ukraine

Children in Ukraine need additional support in war time. We are using donations to ensure that children have the food they need, and continue their education, even when parents or elder siblings have lost their jobs. UNICEF reported that because of war:

“Nearly half of children in Ukraine may be at risk of not having enough food” – United Nations, 11th April

The war has impacted not only the millions of refugees who are leaving everything: their home, loved ones. The economy faltered as some businesses and factories were bombed or simply could not function. Many people have lost jobs. We are increasing financial and education support for families through our Sponsorship programme so they can get through these hard times. 

Updates on sponsored children and young people

Angela is 19, and lives with her elder sister and their Grandmother. Before the war the family income was 250 Euros per month and Sponsorship covered some educational needs. After Angela’s sister lost her job, their income was limited to their Grandmother’s pension of 94 Euros per month. Our increased support means they can still have basic security. We were delighted that Angela pushed past the challenges at home and anxiety from the bombing in Lviv to complete exams for her tailoring course.

Life has also changed for Dima who we aim to sponsor through university. Now 19, we have known him since he was a young boy growing up in a care home. His study plans are on hold as he is a full-time volunteer with Lviv City patrols.

We are delighted that Albina’s undergraduate Law study continues as she is getting excellent grades in her second year. Her dormitory is now a refugee camp, but she can study online thanks to the laptop donated by her sponsor. Albina lost her home in Donbas when she was 12 years old and could never return.

Five children have left Ukraine with their families; we are keeping in contact to ensure their safety in Poland and Turkey. We are also monitoring wellbeing, and have referred one child who is depressed to our new weekly online Support Group for children. Our goal remains to ensure that all children in our programme find security and education.

New children and families who need help

For some children and young people big study milestones remain the same, but they need our support. We are funding tutors for Davyd and Maksym, who are preparing for university entrance exams, and have many requests for laptops to enable online school.

One of the families without a sponsor who we are helping is Uliana, a single mother with five children, who we are giving money for food. Recently Uliana called and asked if we can help her to buy seeds so she and her children can grow vegetables in their garden:

“As Russia is deliberately destroying Ukraine's food supplies I want to be sure that my children have something to eat in the future. If needed I can share potatoes and vegetables from my garden with those who have nothing.”

Sponsors who donate monthly protect children’s wellbeing and help them, like Albina, to gain the skills to succeed in life despite the hardship they experience. Twice a year, the sponsored child writes a personal letter and we provide an update. If you would like to sponsor a child in Ukraine, please email Jasmine at [email protected] for more information. Thank you!