A Beacon of Hope: The Postcode Lottery's Vital Support for Foster Care in Ukraine
In 2024, the Postcode Lottery awarded 20 million kronor to SOS Children's Villages in an innovative Dream Project aimed at increasing the number of foster homes in war-torn Ukraine. With the project set to last three years, strides have already been made in creating a nurturing environment for children affected by the ongoing conflict. Project leader Svitlana Tuntueva reflects on the transformative impact of these new family dynamics, stating, "I am glad to see how the children change when they come to the families and also how the parents change."
The initiative addresses the critical need for safe and supportive homes, steering children away from institutional care—a system described by Petra Nyberg, head of international program development at SOS Children's Villages in Sweden, as outdated and often fraught with rights violations. "The children in Ukraine need a safe embrace they can call their home," says Nyberg. The project's primary aim is to rescue children from a grim reality filled with uncertainty and help them heal from the wounds of war, providing a hopeful path for their future.
To enhance the effectiveness of the foster care placements, SOS Children's Villages is collaborating with six local organizations across regions such as Kyiv, Chernihiv, Poltava, Chernivtsi, Zakarpattia, Ivano-Frankivsk, and Lviv. These local partners assist in mobilizing teams of specialists in social work, psychology, social pedagogy, and speech therapy. Tuntueva shares the role of these experts: "Our specialists' task within the project is to prepare candidates for the foster home mission, conduct information campaigns to attract candidates, and offer training sessions addressing complex childrearing scenarios."
Foster parents like Valerii and his wife, who recently welcomed a teenage girl into their home, illustrate the realities and triumphs of this initiative. Valerii acknowledges the challenges of adjusting to life with a teenager, stating, "We knew it might be difficult with the adjustment, especially considering her age. But thanks to the knowledge we have gained, we have a different perspective."
The urgency of the Postcode Lottery's mission is underscored by the current global landscape. Anders Årbrandt, Managing Director of the Postcode Lottery, emphasizes the importance of this support for civil society. "Today's global situation makes the work to strengthen civil society more important than ever. Our long-term commitment helps organizations grow, be innovative, and be present where the needs are greatest."
Last week, the Postcode Lottery distributed over one billion kronor to 62 nonprofit organizations, reinforcing its role as Sweden's largest private contributor to the nonprofit sector. This unwavering support, including a total of 400 million kronor awarded to SOS Children's Villages since 2008, showcases the profound commitment to uplifting communities and fostering positive change for the most vulnerable, specifically children in Ukraine amidst adversity.
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