The Olena Zelenska Foundation focuses on initiatives that provide children with safety, education, care, and opportunities for recovery. The First Lady of Ukraine stated this in an interview with the French media outlet Libération.
The interview took place on Monday, December 1, ahead of the launch of the large-scale cultural program “Ukrainian Season” in France. Over the next four months, it will showcase Ukrainian cinema, literature, theater, music, and other forms of culture in various cities across the country.
“The culture of our country is now fighting for survival – just like all Ukrainians. Our theaters and libraries have been destroyed. But the country lives on, and art continues to exist and evolve. This is also our form of resistance. We want to tell this story,” the President’s wife noted.
The First Lady also spoke about the work of the Olena Zelenska Foundation. At the center of all its projects is the child and their needs.
“I cannot remain indifferent to children – and not only because I am a mother myself. We created the Olena Zelenska Foundation to help people affected by the war, but over time it became clear that children need support the most. That is why we have focused on initiatives that provide them with safety, education, care, and opportunities for recovery. For me, this is an investment in Ukraine’s future, and I am grateful to all our partners who help make this a reality,” Olena Zelenska emphasized.
Among other initiatives, the Foundation is implementing projects to support large foster families, the Safe School initiative, the Schools of Superheroes, and the creation of 12–21 youth spaces for psychosocial support of teenagers and young people – three of which will open this month, with two more to follow.
“If you think only about the bombs, life stops. But no one in Ukraine can think only about danger. Every morning after night-time attacks, we get up and go to work. It is thanks to this that schools and hospitals operate, the economy functions, and the country lives on. People need energy to live, they need reasons for joy and aspirations," the President's wife noted.
The First Lady called on the world not to forget about Ukraine’s defense against the evil brought by Russia.