Education for 60 Ukrainian Refugee Children

Three years after the war began, our kindergarten for Ukrainian refugee children continues to be a place of safety, stability, and hope.

Each month, between 12 and 15 preschool children attend our daily educational program. For many families, this service is essential. Parents who have found jobs or who are studying to have their qualifications recognized in Romania know that their children are cared for until 4:00 PM, allowing them to rebuild their own lives while their children learn and play in a secure environment.

Sadly, the war continues to affect new families. As in previous years, attacks on Ukraine's energy infrastructure have forced additional people to leave their homes and seek safety in border cities like ours. Many of the children arriving at our center have experienced fear, displacement, and interrupted education. Here, they find a calm environment where they can recover lost learning, regain confidence, and begin healing from trauma through routine, play, and caring relationships.

Like many organizations supporting Ukrainian refugees, we have faced significant funding challenges as international attention has shifted and many donors have reduced their support. During several difficult months, Ukrainian parents themselves contributed small donations to help us continue paying the salaries of our two educators. Their generosity reflected how important this program has become for their families.

We are grateful that a six-month grant currently allows us to continue providing one hot meal each day, educational materials, school supplies, and a welcoming classroom where children can learn and grow.

Small Moments of Joy, Big Steps Toward Healing

The children are doing well. Every week they gain new skills, become more confident, and prepare for future integration into Romanian schools. Beyond classroom activities, they spend time every day in the public playground next to our center, enjoying the simple happiness of running, laughing, and playing together. They also participate regularly in community integration and social activities that help them build friendships and feel part of their new community.

On International Children's Day (June 1st), more than 100 children from our centers participated in a celebration organized by a local restaurant and several generous business leaders. The children played games, danced, enjoyed special treats, and experienced a joyful day that many of them will remember for a long time.

Together We Keep Hope Alive

Despite these encouraging moments, the future of our kindergarten remains uncertain. We have not yet secured long-term funding to keep the center open beyond the current support period.

At the same time, inflation continues to increase the cost of food, utilities, and educational services across Romania, while the ongoing conflicts in Ukraine and the Middle East continue to affect prices and create uncertainty throughout the region. The war also feels increasingly close to home. Just one month ago, a Russian drone struck a residential building in our city, injuring a mother and her child, reminding us that the conflict remains a daily reality for communities along the border.

For this reason, your support means more than ever.

Every donation helps us keep the classroom open, provide caring educators, nutritious meals, educational materials, and most importantly, a safe place where children can simply be children again.

Thank you for standing with these families and helping us preserve hope, stability, and childhood in the midst of uncertainty.

Links:

• Our Children's Day Party
• Preschool craft time
• Planting activity