After four years of learning, playing and growing together, it is time to say goodbye to our kindergarten program for Ukrainian refugee children.
What began as an emergency response to families forced to leave Ukraine because of the war gradually became something much more: a safe and welcoming place where young children could learn, play, make friends and find a sense of normality in a new country.
Over these four years, more than 100 Ukrainian children participated in our preschool program. For many of them, this was one of their first steps towards adapting to life in Romania and preparing for their next important milestone: school.
A place to learn, play and belong for Ukrainian refugee children
For a young child, integration is about much more than learning a new language. It is about having a daily routine, being surrounded by other children, building relationships with trusted adults and feeling that there is a place where you belong.
This is what we tried to create through our kindergarten groups.
Children took part in educational and creative activities, learned and played together, received hot meals and school supplies, and were supported by dedicated teachers. At the same time, their families received additional assistance according to their needs, including food, hygiene and cleaning products, clothing and other essential items.
For parents who had to rebuild their lives far from home, knowing that their children were safe, cared for and learning every day made an important difference.
Chanchyna Mariia, the mother of one of the children, shared:
“I would like to thank the sponsors of Heart of a Child Foundation for giving our child the opportunity to attend kindergarten, where she is cared for, receives meals and attention. […] Thank you for supporting and helping our family during these difficult times.”
Another mother, Ana, whose child attended the program for several years, told us:
“Having the opportunity to attend kindergarten free of charge and receive so much support during such a difficult time has meant a great deal to us. We had wonderful teachers, the children received hot meals, and our family also received food, hygiene products, cleaning supplies and clothing.”
Four years made possible through partnership
Providing this support consistently over four years would not have been possible without the organizations and people who stood alongside Ukrainian children and their families.
We are deeply grateful to GlobalGiving, Center for Disaster Philantropy, SERA/CARE, Cargill, Uipath Foundation and Good Neighbors Japan for helping us provide educational activities and essential support and for giving children the stability and opportunities they needed during an extraordinarily difficult period of their lives.
Their support allowed us to go beyond responding to an immediate crisis. Together, we were able to invest in children’s education, development and integration over the longer term.
One chapter ends, but what the children gained continues
Now, as this kindergarten chapter comes to an end, we look back with gratitude at four years filled with first words in a new language, games, friendships, creative activities, shared meals and countless small steps forward.
For the children, however, this is not simply an ending. It is the beginning of their next chapter.
They leave kindergarten older, more confident and better prepared for school and for the communities in which they are growing up.
More than 100 children. Four years of learning, friendship and belonging. And many new beginnings still ahead. 💛💙
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