All stories
12.02.2025
Dreaming of a Home for Her and Her Mom: the Story of 11-Year-Old Katia from Chernihiv
A phone, an electric guitar, and… a home of their own, so she and her mom have a place to live. That’s the birthday wish list of 11-year-old Katia from Chernihiv. Not to meet her favorite idol or have a new Barbie—most of all, this girl dreams of having a roof over her head.
Even before Russia’s full-scale invasion began, Katia and her parents had moved from the city to a village closer to her grandparents. But on February 24, enemy tanks rolled right through that very area. The family spent almost all their time hiding in the basement, though at first, they hoped it was Ukrainian military forces. Fortunately, they all survived.
Unable to endure the deafening shelling and explosions, Mrs. Svitlana, Katia’s mom, fled with her daughter to Germany. But they couldn’t adapt to life in a foreign country, so they returned home.
Unable to endure the deafening shelling and explosions, Mrs. Svitlana, Katia’s mom, fled with her daughter to Germany. But they couldn’t adapt to life in a foreign country, so they returned home.
Here, problems with her husband awaited Svitlana. The parents divorced, and that took a heavy toll on Katia’s emotional well-being.
Svitlana learned about the Chernihiv "Voices of Children" Center from relatives, and Katia began attending our sessions.
With the help of psychologists, the girl could refocus and find solace.
At our centers across Ukraine, children can work through their fears and discuss their thoughts. They also get to meet others who share similar experiences. You can support our work by donating here.
Svitlana learned about the Chernihiv "Voices of Children" Center from relatives, and Katia began attending our sessions.
With the help of psychologists, the girl could refocus and find solace.
At our centers across Ukraine, children can work through their fears and discuss their thoughts. They also get to meet others who share similar experiences. You can support our work by donating here.
Copy link