Children of Heroes Kicks Off Fundraiser for Remote Learning Devices
International Children’s Protection Day, the commemorative day in honor of children which takes place on June 1st, is normally a day of joy and happiness. Countries around the world celebrate it in a variety of ways – in some, it is a reminder that children are the future of the nation and the world at large. In others, it is a day where children are praised for their achievements, receive gifts and take part in special activities. In every corner of the globe, however, it holds a special meaning to kids and, above all, it is a day that is meant to be about them and for them.
For Ukraine’s children, however, International Children’s Protection Day will not have the same meaning this year. Due to the ongoing russian military aggression, thousands of kids will not be able to celebrate a day that is meant to make them feel safe and cared for. 53% of our children of heroes, those who lost their loved ones, have been forced to leave their homes that are in active areas of combat. Already traumatized by the loss of a parent and experiencing feelings of deep isolation, they have been forced to relocate away from all they have ever known and loved. They have been left without the opportunity to live their everyday lives; to go to school, to study and to play with their friends. In many cases, their mom’s smartphone has been left as their only link to the wider world as they face new and unfamiliar surroundings.
Every child has a right to be protected: to develop, to thrive and to reach his or her full potential. That is one of Children of Heroes’ guiding principles and we believe education is the foundation for a prosperous life for each and every one of Ukraine’s littlest citizens. Ahead of International Children’s Protection Day, the Fund will be launching a fundraising campaign to purchase 400 tablets and 100 laptops to give 500 of Ukraine’s children access to a quality online education.
“With so many of our children displaced internally or abroad, the need to continue to provide them with a quality education has never been greater,” says Roman Koznarskyi, Head of Fundraising & Partnerships at the Children of Heroes Charity Fund.
“By providing our children with tablets and laptops, these e-learning devices become their key to unlocking a better future for themselves. Many of their homes and schools have been damaged or destroyed, and the children often need to resort to taking shelter during times of combat, so by providing them with the tools to access a remote learning environment we are able to ensure they can continue their education, wherever they are.”
War creates an ever-changing, dynamic situation for all of Ukraine’s citizens. They experience constant air raids and merciless attacks on innocent people, including on its children. In May alone, there have been dozens of shelling and drone attacks that have hit civilian targets, including those done by heavy cruise missiles, ballistic missiles and even instances of the russian invaders using the Kinzhal missile – a massive 7.2 m (23 ft 7 in) hypersonic air-launched ballistic missile weighing 4,300 kg (9,500 lbs). These weapons are meant to inflict as much harm on Ukrainian society as possible, sparing nothing and no one along the way. As our children learn, they are often forced to do so from air raid shelters, to which civilians often must evacuate to at a moment’s notice.
Having access to portable electronics is crucial, particularly for a child’s educational opportunities. In addition to unlocking educational opportunities, the children supported by the Fund have used their tablets and laptops to access psychological support, socialize and make new friends and keep in touch with their loved ones.
Our goal is to raise $130,000 to help 500 of Ukraine’s children receive a quality online education. You can give the gift of an education today by donating here.