After-School Support for Ukrainian Refugee Kids

Summer Vacation Program
Until September 9th, children in Romania were on summer vacation. During this period, our after-school program operated under a special vacation schedule. Each month, 30-35 children participated in creative activities, including games, crafts, and outdoor activities. These activities were designed to keep the children engaged, promote creativity, and provide a fun, safe environment for them during the summer months. The focus was on nurturing their social skills, creativity, and overall well-being while giving them the opportunity to enjoy a carefree summer, despite the challenges many of them face as refugees.

Support for School Enrollment
Throughout the summer, our staff worked tirelessly to support Ukrainian refugee families in enrolling their children in local schools and kindergartens. We successfully helped over 30 children navigate the often complex process of registration, ensuring that they had the necessary documentation and that they were prepared to start the new school year alongside their peers. This involved close coordination with educational institutions and providing translation assistance when needed. Our goal was to make sure that these children, many of whom were experiencing formal education in Romania for the first time, were set up for success from day one.

In addition to school enrollment support, through another project run by our foundation, we were able to distribute 150 fully equipped backpacks to Ukrainian refugee children at the start of the school year. These backpacks, filled with essential school supplies such as notebooks, pens, pencils, and other learning materials, were a vital resource for children and their families. For many of these refugee families, financial hardship is a daily reality, and this generous contribution from our sponsors and partners alleviated some of the stress that comes with preparing for a new school year. These supplies not only supported the children’s education but also provided them with a sense of belonging as they began their studies alongside their Romanian classmates.

After-School Program
Since the official start of the school year on September 9th, our after-school program has resumed its full schedule, with a particular focus on supporting Ukrainian refugee children enrolled in Romanian schools. The program is designed to provide homework assistance, Romanian language lessons, and leisure activities that foster both academic and social integration. The aim is to help these children navigate their new school environment more confidently, enabling them to keep up with the curriculum, despite language barriers, and to feel more included in their host community.

The Romanian language lessons have been especially crucial, as many of these children arrived in Romania with little to no knowledge of the language. By offering tailored language support, we help them overcome one of the biggest obstacles they face in their education. Alongside academic support, we organize leisure activities such as art projects, team games, and group discussions that encourage them to bond with their peers and develop friendships with local children. This holistic approach ensures that these children are not only learning but also finding joy and stability in their new lives.

Our after-school program acts as a bridge between the children and the local community, promoting cross-cultural understanding and creating a nurturing environment where these young refugees can grow, learn, and adapt.

The Need for Continued Support
Despite the progress made, Ukrainian children still face significant challenges in their integration process, and they continue to need substantial support. Romania, especially in the eastern regions, lacks extensive experience in integrating children who do not speak the local language and come from different cultural backgrounds. This presents unique challenges, both for the children and for the Romanian educational system.

Efforts to integrate refugee children into Romanian schools have been made in recent years, but the success rate has been limited. In fact, fewer than 10% of refugee children have been successfully integrated into state schools in the past. Many face overwhelming difficulties, including language barriers, cultural differences, and the psychological impact of displacement, which can impede their ability to focus on learning and socialization.

The current school system does not always have the resources or trained personnel needed to address these specific needs. Teachers are often unequipped to handle the unique challenges of refugee children, such as providing extra language support or addressing the trauma many of these children have endured. This makes it even more important for programs like ours to exist, where specialized assistance is provided to ease the transition.

Our after-school center plays a critical role in filling this gap by providing targeted support that these children would otherwise not receive. By offering focused Romanian language classes and individualized attention, we help bridge the language and cultural divide, ensuring that refugee children are not left behind. The program also fosters a welcoming and inclusive environment where children can feel safe, supported, and motivated to learn.

Through our continued efforts, we aim to help more refugee children succeed academically, grow emotionally, and integrate more fully into Romanian society. The road to full integration is long and challenging, but with the right resources and consistent support, these children can thrive in their new environment. Our hope is that, with further involvement from the community, sponsors, and local authorities, we will be able to extend this vital assistance to even more children in the months to come.

Links:

• Facebook post school supplies distribution