Reflecting on 2024
As 2024 comes to a close, we reflect on a year of immense challenges and inspiring resilience. The war in Ukraine continues, with devastating consequences for children and families.
Since the start of war, the UN has verified that over 2,406 children (an average of 2 children per day) have been killed or injured since February 2022 – an unthinkable toll that underscores the urgency of our work. Millions more face ongoing upheaval, hunger, and despair as orphanages struggle with underfunding and malnourishment.
“The toll on children is staggering and unacceptable,” said UNICEF Executive Director Catherine Russell. “Children have been killed in their beds, in hospitals, and on playgrounds, leaving families devastated by the loss of young lives or life-altering injuries.”
2024 Achievements
Despite the challenges, your support has enabled us to:
- Support Ukrainian Families:
- Provide food, shelter, and safe relocation for families in conflict zones.
- Relocate families to safer areas within Ukraine.
- Education Initiatives:
- Provide homework support to children in Moldova and Ukraine.
- Hire a teacher for children missing lessons at Children’s Heart in Ukraine, as many schools in the area are not open as they do not have bomb shelter facilities.
- Install playground equipment in one school in Moldova to enhance student wellbeing.
- Support young orphans with life skills programs and social worker guidance as they transition from orphanages.
- Fund after-school clubs and day centres.
- Family Crisis Relief:
- Supply food, medicine, clothing, sanitary supplies, winter fuel, and safe housing for families in crisis in Ukraine and Moldova.
- Provide advice and guidance to parents to help them manage and provide for their families.
- Offer new homes and safety to mothers and children in dire conditions.
- Rehabilitation Services:
- Deliver free rehabilitation services through our partners, including the Tony Hawks Centre and Little Lighthouse.
- Provide therapy and joyful outings for vulnerable children to support their emotional and physical wellbeing.
- Community Wellbeing Programs:
- Enhance community wellbeing with trauma care and creative after-school programs in Ukraine.
- Construct playgrounds to support children’s development in Moldova.
- Learning Support:
- Sustain a day center for young people with learning disabilities.
- Health and Emergency Support:
- Contribute funds toward emergency medical needs, including a nurse at the Children’s Hospital in Kamianske, Ukraine.
- Support neonatal and septic care at the Mother & Child Centre in Chisinau, Moldova.
- Fund a kitchen at a centre in Chisinau for local and refugee children.
- Occupational Therapy Training:
- Continue supporting training of skills based on occupation-based intervention in Moldova.
Our Commitment for 2025
As we enter 2025, our commitment to supporting vulnerable children and families remains stronger than ever. Looking ahead, we will:
- Provide essential supplies such as food, hygiene products, and medicines to three orphanages in Ukraine.
- Expand our support for schools in Moldova, ensuring that children have the digital tools and new educational materials they need to succeed.
Thank you for standing with us this year. Together, we’ve made a lasting impact, and with your help, we can do even more in the year to come.
Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year!
