UNICEF in Belarus helps Ukrainian families get ready for school

Vadim has not finished the third grade in Ukraine. In another family, sisters Sasha, Zhenya and Vika tried to study remotely, but because of constant moves from Ukraine through several countries to Belarus, the learning online was not really feasible. On 1 September, children went to Belarusian schools, and they needed help to prepare for an academic year. UNICEF in Belarus handed over gift certificates (vouchers) to families to buy stationery, backpacks, clothes and other items needed for school.

“How can you fit your whole life in one suitcase?” - the mother of 10-year-old Vadim asks with confusion, not expecting an answer. “We left everything in Mariupol. We had to pack up very quickly. I took the minimum of children's items, the minimum of my things. Inevitably, all school supplies were left at home.”

In September, Vadim's family received a voucher and have already purchased warm clothes and stationery for Vadim.

“Warm clothes are the most relevant items these days,” Tatyana adds. “We bought a warm hat, jacket and proper winter boots. I am glad Vadim can go to school and learn with his peers. Not all children, unfortunately, are so lucky. In Mariupol, the school Vadim went to has no windows and no doors and needs major rehabilitation. The school was not ready for a new academic year in September. Children who remained in Mariupol are now studying remotely; they do not go to school, and where would they go? We do not hide anything from Vadim, we share everything. He is only 10 years old, but you can’t imagine how he has matured in the last months since the crisis has erupted.“

“It is impossible to ensure schooling of three children for just one salary,” says Anastasia, the mother of Sasha, Zhenya, Vika and little Dima, who turned three months old on the day the certificate was handed over. The family arrived in Belarus this summer from Donetsk, having traveled through several neighboring countries before they reached the city of Brest in Belarus. The gift certificates helped this family to purchase clothes for kids and necessary stationery.

“When girls studied in Ukraine, my eldest daughter Vika had plans to move to Zaporozhye and become a literature teacher,” said Anastasia. “Now Vika has changed her mind. She has witnessed everything collapsing at once, and she no longer wants to plan anything and think ahead. But I do hope that children will eventually recover and start dreaming and planning again,” adds the mother.

UNICEF in Belarus continues to support people affected by the conflict in Ukraine

If you come from Ukraine with children (or know such people and can pass on information), you can apply for gift certificates at any territorial office of the Red Cross. The Belarusian Red Cross is UNICEF’s partner, and assists in finding people who need help.

We thank our partners, including the “21Vek” online store, and all the caring people who have donated and made this work possible.