For children to feel less affected by war: a journalist from the Netherlands purchased a power generator for a kindergarten in the Kharkiv region

Author:

Anastasia Poleshko

Reading, writing, playing, being creative – this is how children spend their time in the renovated shelter of a preschool in Liubotyn, Kharkiv region.

A new Dalgakiran DJ26BD power generator was installed on the territory of the institution with the support of Patrick van 't Haar, an activist, volunteer, and Dutch journalist from the charitable initiative Hulpacties DvhN, FrD en LC.

Last year, the city authorities carried out major repairs here. Thanks to the support of benefactors in the "Guardians of Childhood" campaign, our Voices of Children Foundation purchased furniture and equipment: desks, chairs, rugs, interactive and magnetic-marker boards, flipcharts, etc. And this made it possible to organize the educational process in comfortable conditions.

Now this shelter is visited by students and employees of three neighboring schools and two kindergartens: they use it to conduct classes in a calm atmosphere. Children study in shifts: the junior school (280 students in grades 1–4) in the morning, the middle school (428 students in grades 5–9) and the senior school (58 students in grades 10–11) in the afternoon. In addition, preschoolers (172 children) play and do homework here. Specialists from the “Liubotyn Inclusive Resource Center” conduct correctional and developmental classes for children with special educational needs (19 children) according to a separate schedule.

For children to feel less affected by war: a journalist from the Netherlands purchased a power generator for a kindergarten in the Kharkiv region — Image 1

Equipped shelter is a basic condition for attending educational institutions, because earlier, for almost three years, children were on distance learning at home. And now they can not only make up for educational losses and prepare for HMT, but also engage in hobbies; there are choreography and fine arts groups here, which they can attend in their free time from studies. In addition, classes are systematically held on training in emergency situations, providing first aid, mine safety, and psycho-emotional support groups for adolescents.

Since the air raid warnings in Kharkiv and its surroundings can last for several hours, the Foundation also purchased folding beds with sets of blankets and pillows, an electric kettle, and a microwave so that people can comfortably wait for the air raid warning to end, and if necessary, spend the night.

The power supply in the facility must be constant for the continuous operation of the safe space. In particular, so that the room is lit, the water supply and drainage systems (pumps), boiler rooms, and ventilation work properly. That is why the power generator is so important here.

Thanks to Patrick Haar, a new Dalgakiran DJ26BD diesel generator with a rated power of 19 kilowatts was installed in the courtyard of the facility.

The Dutch journalist is a friend of Ukraine. Over the past three years, he has raised almost 42 million hryvnias to help Ukrainians and does not plan to stop. He first came to volunteer in Ukraine when a full-scale war began.

Patrick saw thousands of people fleeing the war on the Polish border and wrote about them in the newspaper he works for. He personally evacuated some women with children to his hometown and helped with the necessities.

In the first year, Patrick raised 400,000 euros for reconstruction assistance, ambulances, generators, and food. In 2023, he managed to raise even more.

We were very worried that it would not work, because everyone understands that attention to Ukraine abroad is falling. But, fortunately, we even exceeded the amount and raised 675,000 euros,

he said.

At that time, 150,000 euros were donated to the Voices of Children Foundation for psychological support for children affected by the war.

Patrick also provided financial assistance in the implementation of an important project – the arrangement of a social adaptation section in the Kremenchuk correctional colony. This is a building where young men prepare for life outside the colony during the last six months before the end of the term. This institution is the only one in the country where minors who have committed offenses are rehabilitated. Currently, 50 boys live here, 28 of whom are under 18 years old. Most of these children are deprived of parental care or are orphans.

Patrick also supported us in organizing a camp for children "Lord of the Elements", which combines adventure and psychological components at once.

Currently there are 11 “Voices of Children” centers and 2 mobile teams in Ukraine. There is also an online psychological support line at: 0800 210 106.

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