By Dr. Olga Donets
Supporting children who have been most affected by the consequences of the war remains one of the key priorities of the “Grassroots Institute”. We firmly believe that helping a child means not only providing essential supplies but also offering care, solidarity, and hope for Ukraine’s future.
For this reason, in the spring of 2026, our organization implemented a social initiative aimed at supporting students of Uzhhorod Lyceum № 15 who belong to socially vulnerable groups. The project became possible thanks to the financial support of our international partner, Nouwen-Ramselaar Stichting (Kingdom of the Netherlands).
The initiative was launched based on official information provided by the administration of Uzhhorod Lyceum № 15, according to which more than 300 students at the school require additional social support. These include internally displaced children, children of military personnel and veterans, children from large and single-parent families, children with disabilities and special educational needs, as well as children facing difficult life circumstances.
Recognizing these needs, the Grassroots Institute approached the Dutch charitable foundation with a proposal to support children who are among the most vulnerable in the context of the ongoing war. After the initiative was approved, charitable funding was received, allowing the project to move into its implementation phase. Our team assessed the current needs, procured the necessary supplies, assembled the support packages, and organized their delivery to the school.
As a result of the initiative, 100 social support packages were prepared and delivered, each with an average value of approximately UAH 500. Each package included essential educational and personal care items, such as:
Despite fluctuations in market prices between the project planning stage and the procurement process, our team successfully preserved the original contents of every package through careful planning and efficient budget management.
On May 15, 2026, representatives of the Grassroots Institute delivered all 100 support packages to Uzhhorod Lyceum № 15, where they were officially handed over to the school administration. Some students received their packages on the day of delivery, while the remaining packages were distributed by class teachers to children who were absent due to illness or participation in educational activities. This approach ensured that every designated recipient received the intended support.
For the Grassroots Institute, this initiative once again demonstrated the importance of international solidarity and cooperation between civil society organizations across countries. We sincerely thank Nouwen-Ramselaar Stichting and Mr. Raphael L.H. Nouwen for their trust, generosity, and unwavering support for Ukrainian children. Their contribution made it possible not only to provide practical assistance but also to remind children that the international community stands with them during these difficult times.
We would also like to express our sincere gratitude to our partners at the Carpathian Human Rights Agency “Vested”, especially Professor Mariia Mendzhul, Doctor of Law, for her support in organizing this initiative and sharing our commitment to helping children who need care and support the most. Our heartfelt appreciation also goes to Ms. Nataliia Baran, Principal of Uzhhorod Lyceum № 15, as well as to the entire school administration and teaching staff for their openness to cooperation, their invaluable assistance in organizing the distribution of the support packages, and their responsible approach to ensuring that the aid reached the children who needed it most.
For our organization, this project is another example of how cooperation between international partners, civil society organizations, and educational institutions can create meaningful initiatives that make a tangible difference in children’s lives. We remain committed to strengthening international partnerships, attracting new opportunities for support, and implementing social, educational, and humanitarian projects aimed at assisting children, young people, and communities throughout Ukraine.
💚 Together, we prove that even a single project can positively change the lives of many children. Every act of kindness today is an investment in a stronger, more compassionate future for Ukraine.
Further information: mail@tgi.org.ua
