Acting on dreams: raising donations to buy art kits for children at a boarding school

The children’s drawing contest “Ukraine I Love” continues. It matters to us that children’s dreams, captured in drawings, can support other children’s dreams – where it is truly needed.

Mission

Mykolaiv region has been Ukraine’s southern outpost since the start of the full-scale invasion. Despite heavy destruction and losses, it has shown all of Ukraine resilience and heroism.

It is there, at the Antonivka Arts Lyceum and Boarding School, that the children of the Mykolaiv Regional Centre for Social and Psychological Rehabilitation of Children now live. These are 23 girls and boys aged 3 to 15.

The Centre cares for children who have found themselves in crisis or without parental care, providing comprehensive social and psychological support and rehabilitation services, and helping them adapt and integrate into society.

Escaping the shelling, the children and their caregivers had to move more than once before settling at the Antonivka Lyceum.

The new shelter is located in the Antonivka village community, 70 kilometres from the regional centre. The institution is almost 60 years old! Local children studied at the lyceum, while the boarding school housed orphans and children from low-income families from across Novoodeskyi and neighbouring districts of the region.

The war has forced the institution to reshape its work somewhat. But, as before, it remains a warm and caring space for every child.

“We try to create a sense of home – as far as possible,” admits caregiver Inna Vitaliivna.

Despite all the trials, the children at the Centre have not lost the ability to enjoy simple things. They talk, support each other, and the older ones look after the younger ones with care and responsibility. Every day is filled with shared activities, sincere laughter and children’s dreams.

“They are very friendly, help and support each other. It is extremely important for them not to feel alone,” Inna Vitaliivna continues, adding that what the children need most right now is interesting and varied leisure.

Whatever their age, the children love active games and gladly join in physical activities.

“They are also passionate about creativity – drawing, appliqué, modelling… They dream of new balls, paints and board games. The boys want new trainers so they can keep playing football. But their biggest wish is a projector with a screen, so they can all watch cartoons and interesting educational programmes together,” their mentor shares the children’s dreams.

Action

So, continuing the children’s drawing contest “Ukraine I Love”, we are launching an initiative to unite caring hearts for the sake of such simple yet extremely important children’s dreams.

Because every child is a universe. And this universe deserves attention, care and room for a happy childhood, even in the hardest times.

Support dreams with your action!

Even a small donation to the Foundation’s jar can make a big difference!

A happy childhood – thanks to each of you!