First Lady of Ukraine Olena Zelenska, together with American philanthropists Harlan and Kathy Crow and representatives of the philanthropic, expert, and academic communities of the United States, visited the “12–21” youth space in Bila Tserkva. This is one of the projects of the Olena Zelenska Foundation aimed at supporting teenagers and young people in Ukraine.
They learned about the work of the space, spoke with its team and young participants, and found out more about the activities of the Foundation and the development of the “12–21” network of spaces, where teenagers can receive psychosocial support, communicate, gain new knowledge, and spend time in a safe environment.
The space in Bila Tserkva has become the fourth in the “12–21” network, which the Olena Zelenska Foundation is developing in Ukraine in response to the need of young people for a safe environment, support, and live communication during the war.
“Just a month and a half ago, we met in Dallas, where we had the opportunity to speak about Ukraine and our children with representatives of the American business and philanthropic community. And today it is especially valuable to see that after that meeting you are already here in Ukraine, close to our children and young people, able to see everything with your own eyes,” said the President’s wife.
During the visit, they also discussed support for Ukrainian children and youth, the importance of international partnerships, and the role of human connections in times of war.
A special part of the visit was the exchange of letters and drawings from Ukrainian children for schoolchildren in Dallas. Earlier, Kathy Crow had delivered letters from American students to the Foundation. The Foundation sent part of these messages to children in Kharkiv – a sister city of Dallas that is under daily Russian shelling. Another part was given to students of the School of Superheroes – educational spaces in children’s hospitals for patients undergoing long-term treatment. On the eve of the visit, the delegation also visited the School of Superheroes in Odesa.
“Human connections of this kind mean a great deal today. They help children in Ukraine feel that the world stands with them and that they are not left alone with the war,” emphasized Olena Zelenska.