HELP UKRAINE - Humanitarian relief in Chernivtsi

I recently had the chance to visit the Chernivtsi region in Ukraine and wanted to share some of the wonderful things I saw—made possible thanks to your continued support.

Because of your generosity, children are benefiting from free activities that go far beyond the classroom. These include volleyball training, speech therapy, and a cooking workshop—all designed to help students grow, feel safe, and stay engaged.

The volleyball courses are held at two schools: one in Kitsman and one in Drachinetska. I visited both, and the energy on the courts was fantastic. At Drachinetska, I spoke with a 14-year-old girl who has been playing for a year. Her eyes lit up as she told me how much she loves being a setter and how she hopes to continue playing for a long time.

Her coach, Roman, said something that really stayed with me: volleyball helps the kids stay focused—“it keeps their mind and body here, so they’re not thinking about everything else.” In a region still deeply affected by uncertainty, that kind of space is priceless.

Another moving moment was meeting Irina, a dedicated speech therapist who works at both the Mamaia and Drachinetska schools. Between the two, she supports 80 children—but there are more than 200 on her waiting list.

Until recently, Irina’s position was at risk due to a lack of funding. But thanks to your support, she was able to stay—and even expand her work. When word spread about her impact, Mamaia School reached out, asking if she could help their students as well. Now she travels between the two schools, giving children a real chance to express themselves and grow in confidence.

To give you a sense of scale: Drachinetska School alone has about 600 students. Your support ensures that some of the most vulnerable among them receive the attention they need.

And it doesn’t stop there. The cooking workshop continues, where kids learn not only how to cook but also how to work together, be creative, and enjoy doing something practical. These moments matter—especially now.

These programs are more than just extracurriculars—they are a lifeline. They provide safety, joy, and meaningful learning in children’s daily lives.

None of this would be possible without you.

Thank you for making it happen. Thank you for believing in these kids. And thank you for showing them—even from afar—that they are not alone.

With heartfelt gratitude