The First Lady of Ukraine, Olena Zelenska, met with the team and leadership of the Estonian Center for International Development (ESTDEV), which is contributing to our country's reconstruction.
During the meeting, the parties discussed the results of their cooperation, the implementation of joint projects, and prospects for continued support for Ukrainian children.
“Our cooperation with ESTDEV began with assistance to one large foster family. Today, it has developed into comprehensive support for children across different areas: from a safe educational environment to psychosocial recovery and access to education during medical treatment. It is precisely such long-term partnerships that make it possible not only to respond to the challenges of war, but also to create opportunities for children’s development and future,” the First Lady said.
Cooperation between the Olena Zelenska Foundation and ESTDEV began in 2023 with the Room for Childhood project. Within its own initiative, the Estonian side has built homes for four large foster families in the Zhytomyr region.
In 2024, another area was added – psychosocial support for children. With funding from ESTDEV, two sessions of the Voices Camp were held. As a result, nearly 100 children affected by the trauma of war received opportunities for psychological support, recovery, and a safe environment.
This year, ESTDEV has supported three projects of the Olena Zelenska Foundation with a total value of EUR 500,000. One of them is the restoration and equipping of a shelter in Olevsk, Zhytomyr region. It will include learning zones, recreational areas, and comfortable spaces for children during air-raid alerts.
Two more sessions of the Voices Camp will also take place this year with ESTDEV’s support, involving nearly 100 children.
Another area of cooperation is the expansion of the educational space of the School of Superheroes at the Zhytomyr Regional Children’s Hospital. The new space will ensure access to education and psychological support for children undergoing long-term treatment. It will include separate learning zones for different age groups and a mental health room for children and parents.
“To be able to help consistently and systematically, not for days but for years, requires a special sense of humanity and resilience. I am grateful to Estonia and our partners for their consistent support of Ukrainian children,” Olena Zelenska said.