We design and deliver services and programmes which strengthen, empower, and prepare children in care to enter the working world and lead a productive, independent life.
URGENT: Help refugees from the conflict in Ukraine by donating now
Now, in times of war, many more children are at risk, traumatized and in need of protection. By providing emergency shelter to families in addition to our regular services, we not only address the humanitarian crisis, but also allow children to access our professional services so they can recover from trauma and continue their education.
See our news page for more on how we are helping refugees right now
To meet our objectives and better the lives and opportunities of vulnerable children, we put the child at the centre of everything we do. Each of our programmes help to develop the individual child and improve their environment. By partnering with others, we’re able to make a greater, more sustainable difference.
Develop the ChildWe design and deliver services and programmes which strengthen, empower, and prepare children in care to enter the working world and lead a productive, independent life.
While we promote family forms of care there are still many children living in isolated children’s homes. Our TOGETHER programmes give opportunities for personal development to children in residential care and this helps them develop personal interests, self-esteem and social skills.
We organise regular TOGETHER activities in 27 care institutions in the Lviv region. These are led by trained and experienced volunteer team leaders who get to know the children in care and can refer them for further support. The large range of activities include art therapy, drama, music, teambuilding games, sports and excursions.
Guardian Angel supports a vulnerable child's personal and educational development through the support of a personal mentor or tutor. We are the only organisation offering voluntary tutoring in our region and the demand from social services is increasing.
Personal mentoring is widely accepted as one of the most effective methods to support a child in residential care and their transition into independent life. Tutoring can change a child's prospects for education and employment. We train, monitor and support volunteers to enable them to be a Guardian Angel. Currently 80 children a year receive this individual care, but with the help of donors and volunteers more children from our waiting list could be given this opportunity.
“The positive effect of one loving relative, mentor or friend can overwhelm the negative effects of the bad things that happen. What goes right is more important than what goes wrong.” George Vaillant, Psychologist, Harvard Medical School
The STEP programme equips vulnerable teenagers with the personal and practical skills they need to thrive in the working world and independent life. We provide workshops to promote personal development, provide career guidance and organise experiences with different industries, so that a young person is ready to join the world of work.
Many children leave institutional care when they are between 15 and 17 years old with inadequate preparation for independent life. On their own, with about 20 Euros a month of benefits to live on, there are many challenges. We give the guidance and support they need to build better lives and opportunities.
Sponsors give better opportunities to carefully selected vulnerable children, many of whom are orphans, through supporting their education, vocational training and their own efforts to develop their potential. With monthly sponsorship, 30 children in Ukraine and 28 children in Malawi are given an opportunity to better their lives.
We pay fees and tutors, buy educational supplies, and monitor the effort and achievement of each child. The letters the children write to their sponsors tell of the incredible difference this makes.
"Before joining the sponsorship programme I used to suffer a lot. My mother was unable to pay school fees, to buy our lunch, notebooks and calculators for my education, and couldn't afford many other things. Let me thank Care in Action for supporting me. I have passed my exams and have my Junior Certificate of Education. I promise to work hard so that I can help others." Lexa Njewa, sponsored child in Malawi
Support the CarerWe train and support carers and foster parents so the children they care for are provided the supportive environment they need to flourish.
We give carers the support they need through expert training, regular support groups, and at events to strengthen the whole family. This helps carers to handle difficult behaviour, avoid burnout and be empowered with good parenting skills so children can thrive.
The need for foster parents is increasing, as Ukraine aims to move children out of institutional care and into family units. Some of these children have experienced trauma and may have special needs or behavioural issues. Foster parents needs expert advice and training to give children the supportive environment they need.
“Children need more than food, a roof and basic education, they also need family, love and positive integration into society” Werner Lehnis, Co-Founder
Partner for impact We partner and work with the local community, Government bodies and NGOs to raise awareness, provide ‘best practice’ models and tools of support, and to extend and enhance our reach to those we help.
To meet the high demand and extend our impact we work in partnership with volunteers, donors, organisations in Ukraine and Malawi, and academics like Dr Mary Beek from the University of East Anglia. Through media appearances and networks we raise public awareness of social issues and how to help.
Collaborations are at the heart of what we do. We train volunteers at the Lviv Education Foundation and Catholic University to improve their skills with working with vulnerable children. 30 care homes and four government institutions partner with us and benefit from access to training and best practice journals. 16 firms in Ukraine enable job orientation, and two community organisations in Malawi provide early child development and school tutoring with our support.
People like you are helping us to better the lives and opportunities of children in care. Everyone who makes a donation or gives their time makes it possible for us to continue our mission.
Your gift can change lives for the better. Donations enable us to fund the services and programs that strengthen, empower and prepare children in care to enter the working world and lead a productive, independent life.