A playground equipped by Rinat Akhmetov Foundation opened for Mariupol residents in Dnipro

Since the beginning of the full-scale war, Rinat Akhmetov Foundation has been systematically supporting Mariupol residents who evacuated their hometown and found refuge across Ukraine. Several hundred families have settled in Dnipro in the social housing of the I'Mariupol. Housing project in modernised dormitory buildings. At the pilot stage, the Foundation took over the arrangement of common areas and playrooms. A playground has recently been opened nearby. 

"This playground is a project of Rinat Akhmetov Foundation, created specifically for young residents of Mariupol who live in a city social hostel. About 20 children live here, and there are no children's spaces in the area. We installed a swing, a sandbox, an entertainment house and other structures for boys and girls. We actively communicate with the residents of the dormitory, learn about their needs and implement them," Mykola Sylka, head of the municipal enterprise Mariupol City Social Dormitory, said.

Nataliia Filipova from Mariupol has been living in Dnipro for two months. Her grandson is 4.5 years old, and he was looking forward to the opening of the new space for children. 

"There were many playgrounds in our city, and I dreamed of my grandson playing there when he grew up. But the war changed everything, our neighbourhood was destroyed. When we came here, we were sad for what would never come back. So this playground is a very good opportunity. While it was being built, my grandson kept asking: ‘Well, is it today?’ And as soon as it was finished, he immediately ran to play. We are very grateful, because now we have our own space for children, and other children are already coming to play with us," Nataliia Filipova said.

Olha Mirosiedi, a children's space educator, shared her impressions of working in the playrooms set up by the Foundation in the dormitories and noted the benefits of playing on the new outdoor playground. 

"The play space donated to us by Rinat Akhmetov Foundation has rooms where children can play. This is a paradise for kids - lots of toys and opportunities for development. Now we have an outdoor play space with swings and climbing walls. Children can go out with their parents to the fresh air, which has a positive impact on their health and physical development. It's great, thank you very much," Olha said.

The Foundation pays special attention to the I'Mariupol project . Housing’ project, because it is not just about arranging spaces, but about creating conditions for people to communicate and support each other, while maintaining the core of the Mariupol community. The dormitories are home to large families, families of children with disabilities, single mothers, as well as families with minors and pensioners.

Rinat Akhmetov Foundation also supports Mariupol residents in other ways, in particular, by sending humanitarian aid to I'Mariupol centres across the country. This includes food and hygiene kits, heaters, psychological help, as well as gifts and holidays for children.

Follow the news about the aid  https://akhmetovfoundation.org/news