The First Lady of Ukraine, Olena Zelenska, took part in the forum “European Child Guarantee. Preparing for Action in Ukraine.” The event also brought together representatives of the Government, local communities, international partners, and civil society.
The European Child Guarantee (ECG) is an EU initiative aimed at combating child poverty and social exclusion. As a candidate country for EU accession, Ukraine has expressed its intention to join the initiative.
“When people in Europe say ‘a child’s life,’ they mean well-being, opportunities, growth. In Ukraine today, we mean physical survival. When they say ‘the future’ in Europe, it means a perspective for years. We sometimes narrow the meaning of this phrase to ‘surviving until tomorrow.’ This is the reality that Russia’s invasion has created. And children are its most vulnerable hostages.,” the First Lady noted.
Olena Zelenska stressed that currently 44% of Ukrainian children show signs of potential PTSD, according to the Future Index research. In addition, UNICEF reports that nearly 70% of young Ukrainians lack access to adequate nutrition and housing.
“Yet even under these conditions, all parents, all responsible adults, and entire countries have made a principled decision – to give children a proper childhood. And importantly, the state has made this decision as well. I am truly glad that all the areas of the European Child Guarantee are reflected both in my work as First Lady and in the work of my Foundation,” she added.
The First Lady spoke in particular about the School Nutrition Reform, the Olena Zelenska Foundation’s efforts to equip shelters in schools and preschools, the launch of Schools of Superheroes, the construction of housing for large families, and the planned opening this year of 12–21, youth mental health centers.
“I am grateful to the EU and our partners, and at the same time, I appeal to all Ukrainians who will be implementing these guarantees at the local level. I ask for maximum responsibility and engagement. Because success depends on each of us,” the President’s wife concluded.