Empowering Families: The Impact of the Postcode Lottery's Support for Children in Ukraine
The humanitarian crisis in Ukraine has brought significant challenges to families and children affected by the ongoing conflict. To address these needs, SOS Children's Villages has received a generous grant of 20 million kronor from the Swedish Postcode Lottery as part of their Dream Project initiative. This project, set to span three years, focuses on increasing family homes and strengthening existing ones for children in Ukraine.
Svitlana Tuntueva, the project leader, expresses her optimism, stating, "I am happy to see how the children change when they come to the families and also how the parents change." This transformation underscores the vital role that stable family environments play in the healing process for children traumatized by war.
Petra Nyberg, head of international program development at SOS Children's Villages in Sweden, emphasizes the urgent need for support, saying, "The children in Ukraine need a safe embrace that they can call home. The alternative institutional care is a form of aging children storage that often involves violations of children's rights." The goal of the project is to rescue as many children as possible from a bleak future and offer them a chance to heal from their wartime experiences.
To further support these efforts, six local organizations are partnering with SOS Children's Villages, targeting key Ukrainian regions such as Kyiv, Chernihiv, Poltava, Chernivtsi, Zakarpattia, Ivano-Frankivsk, and Lviv. Mobile teams consisting of social work specialists, psychologists, social pedagogues, and speech therapists are deployed directly to foster homes, ensuring that they meet the diverse needs of children and families involved in the project. Svitlana Tuntueva highlights that their specialists provide crucial training and resources for foster parents, preparing them for their new roles and equipping them to handle various challenges.
An example of the positive impact of this initiative can be seen in Valerii and his wife. After undergoing parenting education, they welcomed a teenage girl into their home. Valerii acknowledges the potential difficulties by saying, "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 and insight into the challenges that arise, and we know how to meet them." This couple's experience illustrates how proper training and guidance can significantly enhance the foster care experience for both parents and children.
Anders Årbrandt, Managing Director of the Postcode Lottery, underscores the critical importance of strengthening civil society in today's world, stating, "Today's global situation makes the work to strengthen civil society more important than ever. Our long-term commitment helps organizations to grow, be innovative, and be present where the needs are greatest." The Dream Project in Ukraine is an exemplary model of this commitment, showcasing how collaboration and support can lead to meaningful recovery and resilience.
The Postcode Lottery has been a consistent supporter of civil society for two decades, distributing its annual surplus to numerous nonprofit organizations dedicated to improving conditions for individuals, animals, and the environment. With over one billion kronor allocated to 62 organizations, including SOS Children's Villages, this initiative provides crucial support for transformative projects aimed at making the world a better place.
Through the partnership between the Postcode Lottery and SOS Children's Villages, a sustainable future for vulnerable children in Ukraine is being built—one family at a time. This project not only facilitates immediate relief but also fosters long-term growth and healing, serving as a beacon of hope amid adversity.
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