On September 28, in the Cossack village of «Mamaeva Sloboda» in Kyiv, the charity organization ADRA Ukraine presented a new ADRA Kids project aimed at supporting children who suffered as a result of the war. The event was attended by 149 children aged 6 to 14, including children of veterans. They received gifts purchased through donations through the project website. Children under 6 also joined the event: together with their parents, they painted on the «wall of dreams» and discovered a festive atmosphere.

Workshops and quest

Children were waiting for master classes in archery, candle making, ecoshopper painting and other activities. The highlight of the holiday was the quest through the territory of «Mamaeva Sloboda», during which the teams performed various tasks.

Guests of honor

Mykola Kuleba — founder of «Save Ukraine», Commissioner of the President of Ukraine for Children’s Rights in 2014–2021, addressed the participants; the initiator of the creation of a modern system of protection of children’s rights. Remembering the shelling that the Kyivans experienced last shelling night, he said: «We can see that the adults did not sleep and were worried about their families. But now children — rejoice. It is very important for us to restore their lives. I want to wish you, adults, that you too sometimes look at difficulties more simply, in a childish way. Because we have to be strong just for our children».

Alyona Lugantseva — assistant coordinator of mentoring programs, leader of the «Supermentors» community from the “Association of Mentoring for Children and Youth”, supported the audience with words of encouragement and inspiration.

Creative performances
They gave their performances to children and adults:

Anzhelika Rudnytska — honored artist of Ukraine, singer, TV presenter, public figure and volunteer. «Today I was invited to a cool party in the city of Lviv and at the same time ADRA invited me to sing for the children of our heroes. Guess what I chose?» — the artist asked her audience.

Sofia Nersesian — is a young singer and volunteer who has already collected about UAH 15 million for charity. She shared: «I especially like to perform in front of children, their reaction — is always “wow!”».

«Bringing back childhood»

As a result, more than 150 children received not only gifts for development and creativity, but also the most valuable — attention, warmth and care.

The organizers emphasized:

«In our society, not everyone is ready to donate to such initiatives. It seems to many that children already have everything they need. These are not military personnel who constantly need volunteer support.

But in fact, children, especially children of veterans, are in dire need of attention and care. After the holiday, we received dozens of reviews from parents. They said: “Our children need it. We felt we were remembered, supported by”. They thanked ADRA Ukraine, partners and everyone who donated funds for this project.

No wonder the slogan of the event — “Let’s return childhood!” After all, the war takes him away, and the task of adults — is to help to return».

Mission of the ADRA Kids project

The initiative aims to provide comprehensive support to children: from material assistance to psychological rehabilitation. Planned areas:

– rest and recovery in sanatoriums and camps;
– professional psychological support online and in ADRA Ukraine centers;
– involvement in art-circles and sections.

The main goal of the project is to help 100,000 children in Ukraine restore psychological balance, socialize and experience the joy of childhood again.

You can support the initiative through our official page:
adra.ua/kids