The visit to the Ukrainian orphanage touched our hearts.
We visited the “Smerička” facility in Vorochta, where about 150 children have found a temporary home. The visit left a strong impression on the volunteers, as evidenced by the words of our Aid Coordinator for Ukraine, Ludo Chinchala:
„We experienced a lot of emotions during the whole visit. The children were grateful for every smile, they missed human contact very much... I will not forget the strong, but often sad stories we heard from the caregivers. They try to give every child at least a little bit of love. Love that many of their parents will never give. It was really hard to see.
However, not all children are orphans. Some have parents who, for various reasons, have been unable to care for them. And then there are those children who are voluntarily brought here by their parents because they cannot cope with their life situation. For many, this is the only way to protect their child. After they bring their child here, they can visit them at any time. After recovering, many parents take their children back home, with the hope that they will never have to return to the facility. I admire the staff at the facility. The caregivers did their best, and their approach was professional and very welcoming despite limited resources and the war,“ concludes Ludo.
However, we did not come to the facility empty-handed. We brought warm sweaters for the children, which were donated to us by Ata and Ruth Knapek in October. The sweaters keep the children warm and offer them protection from the cold weather.
Thanks also to the Japanese ADRA branch who donated small gifts for the children. These put smiles on the children's faces. We watched as everyone protected theirs with excitement in their eyes.
Special thanks also go to German volunteer Markus, who raised €3000 for us, which we used to buy food for the facility.
We are grateful for all those who see the needs of others and do not remain indifferent to them.
It could not be done without you. Thank you!
A video report on how in 1996 a team of ADRA staff and volunteers went on a two-week charity service to the Institute for physically and mentally disabled children in Vilsany, Ukraine, can be viewed at here.
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