Educating and Safeguarding Ukrainian Children

Ukrainian children and youth continue to require lifesaving services and essentials as Russia’s war on Ukraine continues. Global Fund for Children supports a network of community-based organizations across Ukraine, Hungary, Poland, and Moldova that are providing long-term assistance to children and families.

This initiative is a partnership between Comic Relief US, Enkel Foundation, GlobalGiving, UBS Optimus Foundation, and GFC.

Since Russia’s war on Ukraine began in February 2022, GFC has approved 157 emergency grants totaling more than $3.1 million to support 76 community-based organizations, helping children and families under attack and refugees fleeing the country. However, as the war continues, children and their families also need long-term support, including safe shelters and community spaces, psychosocial services, and access to education.

Working under extremely difficult conditions, our partners are doing whatever they can to keep children and youth safe. They are repurposing and renovating structures to create shelters, long-term housing, and educational spaces. They are helping families to purchase food, water, fuel, and clothing. They are providing basic necessities to families seeking refuge in western Ukraine and beyond. They are offering emotional support to children living under incredible stress, assisting LGBTQ+ youth facing discrimination as they seek safety, and so much more. As the situation on the ground evolves, they will continue to adapt.

This initiative supports grassroots organizations committed to delivering long-term support in their communities, with an emphasis on:

• Young people whose education has been disrupted.
• Children and youth who have been disproportionally impacted by the war, such as those living with disabilities and  LGBTQ+ youth.

GFC is providing these organizations with flexible funding and capacity strenthening support so they can assist children and young people in a variety of settings, including schools, community centers, and temporary shelters.