"Childhood Without War": Life Stories of Children and the Project's Goal

15.02.2024

Since the beginning of the full-scale invasion, the "Childhood Without War" project, implemented and carried out by the Ruslan Shostak Charity Foundation, has managed to save and provide safe shelter in Turkey for nearly 3,500 orphaned children and children deprived of parental care, along with their guardians and caregivers. For the second year in a row, the "Childhood Without War" project continues to help, care for, and support orphaned children and children deprived of parental care who were evacuated due to the armed aggression of the Russian Federation.

Orphans, who had already experienced trauma and loss before the war, felt even more pain and suffering due to the war. Therefore, the main goal of the project is to find a loving family for every child. The heroes of our stories become examples of how important support is for every child.

In their stories, children share their experiences of the war and their new life in Turkey. They all have one common wish: to find a loving family, which serves as additional motivation for the project's work.

"War for me is fear and despair. February 22 was an ordinary day when we woke up and started getting ready for school. But friends came running and said that the war had started, of course, I didn't believe it. But when we heard explosions, sirens, and sat in shelters, I realized that the war was real and not a fiction. It was scary to watch and listen to the news about dead children and other people. Then we were evacuated to Turkey. It is good here, warm, and sunny. I made new friends and found support. Here, all the people, volunteers who support us, don't let us feel sad. We study, prepare great concerts, and perform. But I want to go home. And if a family were waiting for me at home... But I dream that in time I will have a mom and dad. And when I grow up, I dream of opening my own little place that will be a cozy spot for everyone and have a huge selection of sweets."

Anastasia, 14 years old
Kryvyi Rih

"We didn't even know where and why we were packing in such a hurry... But later, the director of our rehabilitation center said that we were being evacuated for safety. At first, it was a shock, what war? What are they talking about? There was no time for conversations, so I took a brush, pajamas, and we left. I had never been anywhere before, and here in Turkey, it's like a constant flow of bright emotions for me. The zoo, excursions, studying, the sea. You know, I dreamed of riding a horse, and here my dream came true. I told the volunteers and teachers about another dream of mine. I want to have my own family that will love and take care of me. And I really believe that this dream will come true. And I also really believe that the war will end, and we will return."

Vasylyna, 12 years old

The "Childhood Without War" project has become a real support for children who found themselves in frontline zones and experienced the horrors of this war. Despite the enormous challenges that accompany work in these conditions, the project continues to fulfill its charitable mission.

The project provides orphans and children deprived of parental care with housing, education, medical assistance, psychological support, food, and health improvement. We put our heart into restoring normal life and development for children who have become victims of war. And all this is made possible thanks to the support and involvement of people, companies, volunteers, teachers, ambassadors, and mentors of the project.

But every child has the right to grow up in a family environment, and adoption is the priority form of placing children into families.

The foundation actively cooperates with the Ministry of Social Policy and the National Social Service of Ukraine. The adoption process includes several steps, such as submitting documents through the Diia portal, a medical examination, a housing inspection, and mandatory courses for adoptive parents. The conditions for adoption during martial law are also regulated by a moratorium on international adoption and the possibility of adoption only by Ukrainians who permanently reside in the territory controlled by Ukraine.

The goal of the project is not only temporary assistance, the creation of conditions for the full development and growth of children who have become victims of war, but also the placement of children into families. Because, first of all, this is not only a matter of charity or the responsibility of the state and authorities. This is a challenge for every conscious citizen to see these children, considered orphans, as their own. Because a family is not only about shared blood but also about shared love, care, support, and responsibility. Orphans have found themselves outside of parental love and support, with their own needs and problems.

And we must jointly ensure a happy and safe childhood in a loving family for every child. Every child has the right to a happy childhood, and adoption is a key element in ensuring this right.