All stories
12.02.2025
Finding Like-Minded Friends and New Interests: The Story of 9-Year-Old Yana from Zaporizhzhia
Nine-year-old Yana lives with her mom and dad in Zaporizhzhia. Since the age of three, she had been professionally engaged in ballroom dancing—not even the COVID-19 lockdown could stop her from pursuing her passion. But when Russia's full-scale invasion began, she had to give up her favorite hobby and put her dance shoes away in a drawer.
After that, Yana took up drawing classes. However, constant shelling often led to canceled lessons, and eventually, she had to give that up, too. Online schooling only deepened her need for social interaction.
Her family shares that there's no place to go with a child to spend quality time together because of the war. When they found out about our Center in Zaporizhzhia, Yana began attending creative workshops, hoping to find balance and emotional relief. And that's how our warm acquaintance began.
This story will resonate with many because, due to COVID-19 and the war, countless children have been left without opportunities for connection and socialization—things so vital for self-development.
At our centers across Ukraine, children can work through their fears with the support of psychologists. They also get a chance to meet and find like-minded friends in a relaxed and welcoming atmosphere. You can support our work by donating here.
Her family shares that there's no place to go with a child to spend quality time together because of the war. When they found out about our Center in Zaporizhzhia, Yana began attending creative workshops, hoping to find balance and emotional relief. And that's how our warm acquaintance began.
This story will resonate with many because, due to COVID-19 and the war, countless children have been left without opportunities for connection and socialization—things so vital for self-development.
At our centers across Ukraine, children can work through their fears with the support of psychologists. They also get a chance to meet and find like-minded friends in a relaxed and welcoming atmosphere. You can support our work by donating here.
Copy link