Path from Fear to Joy: How the Rinat Akhmetov Foundation’s Programs Help Children Survive War

At the end of December, 15-year-old Valeria, who experienced difficult times during the occupation, took part in a festive event organized by the Rinat Akhmetov Foundation as part of the traditional New Year’s campaign. This initiative, which is part of the Rinat Akhmetov to Children program, has been bringing support and warmth to children for 24 years. During this time, it has reached over 1.2 million children throughout Ukraine.

New Year’s events have become a real source of positivity in difficult times. During a festive event in Kyiv, Valeriia shared her emotions:
“There are three children in our family, we all feel happy here, on this holiday. This is a day that filled us all with sincere joy. I am very grateful that I, and many children from Ukraine who were in hot spots or have some health problems as a result of the war, have the opportunity to get better and get good emotions. This is really important, because such moments of joy are rare these days. Thank you to the Rinat Akhmetov Foundation for the care and warmth you give”, says Valeriia.

Valeriia’s family is from Enerhodar, Zaporizhzhia Oblast, a temporarily occupied city. After a difficult period of life under occupation, they have been living in Kyiv for a year and a half. Valeriia still remembers one of the most terrifying moments of the beginning of the war. Six armed soldiers came to her home and asked her about her father and school.

This experience remained a painful topic for the girl for a long time. But participation in the Rinat Akhmetov Foundation’s program "Peaceful Rest for the Children of Ukraine" was the beginning of her psychological recovery.

“At Blogger Camp, I worked with psychologist Olha. She really helped me cope with this memory. We talked about it a lot, and now I remember those events more calmly. This is very important to me, because before I thought about this moment all the time and could not let it go," says Valeriia.

In addition to Blogger Camp, the Rinat Akhmetov to Children program implements projects that comprehensively support children whose childhood was taken away due to Russian aggression. Owing to the program, young Ukrainians receive treatment, hearing aids, undergo psychological and physical rehabilitation, and can also develop and realize their dreams. During its operation, the Foundation’s assistance has reached more than 5 million children. Rinat Akhmetov to Children. Help that gives tomorrow. https://akhmetovfoundation.org/news