After-School Support for Ukrainian Refugee Kids

In recent months, we have lost a significant amount of funding dedicated to supporting Ukrainian refugees. This has forced us to face a difficult and painful question:
Can we still afford to keep our afterschool programs open for the children who rely on them so deeply?

When we looked closely at the children we serve—their challenges, their fears, their hopes—the answer became clear. Many of them are still struggling with homework, adjusting to Romanian schools, and carrying the emotional weight of displacement. Their needs have not decreased. On the contrary, they have grown.

And so, after careful reflection, we decided to continue.
We simply could not walk away from them — not now, not when they need us the most.

Your Donation: A Lifeline in a Difficult Season

Because of your generosity, we can continue the after-school program. And with hope and partnership, we trust we will be able to support the children throughout the current school year as well.

Your support reminded us of something deeply important:
In hard times, true kindness does not fade — it shines.

The Program Today

Our after-school centers in Galati and Braila now support nearly 40 children every single day. For these children, the program has become far more than academic support. It is a place where they feel safe, understood, encouraged, and welcomed.

The daily activities include:

• Help with homework and school preparation

• Romanian language lessons and conversation practice

• Ukrainian language classes taught by a Ukrainian teacher

• Games, drawing, creative workshops, contests, and outdoor activities

• Walks and playtime in the fresh air

• Social activities with Romanian children, helping them integrate naturally

• Nutritious meals and small gifts during special moments

For many of these children, after-school is the most stable and joyful part of their day — a place where they can breathe, learn, laugh, and simply be children again.

The Children’s Voices

Numbers and descriptions are helpful, but nothing speaks more truthfully than the children’s own words. Here are three of their stories.

Karolina, 12 years old*“I have been attending the afterschool program for two years, and I want to share how much it has meant to me.

Last year, I enrolled in a Romanian school, and at first it was extremely difficult. That is why my mother brought me to the after-school program. I remember being so nervous on my first day — but after just one visit, it felt as if a heavy stone had been lifted from my heart.

The teachers were kind, patient, and warm. They helped me learn Romanian much more deeply. Thanks to the wonderful teachers, Irina and Alla, my Romanian has reached a very high level. Their way of teaching has always impressed me, and it still does. Because of them, I can now speak and understand Romanian with confidence.

I also made many friends.

Afterschool has given me so much: Romanian language skills, my first summer camp, and many beautiful memories. A big part of who I am today was shaped by the experiences I’ve had here.

I am deeply grateful for all the work you have put into this program.

Thank you!”*

Milana, 8 years old*“The teachers help me with my homework from the Romanian school, and we also have fun together in our free time.

I make new friends and learn new things.
We eat delicious meals here, and sometimes we receive gifts too.

I love coming to the Center, and I’m very grateful for this opportunity.

I wish everyone all the best and peace.”*

Roman, 9 years old*“I started coming to the after-school program at the beginning of the month.

Here, I met many children who speak the same language as me, and that made me feel safe right away.

I like that the teachers explain the new lessons from my Romanian school in a way I can really understand. They also help us with Ukrainian, which is important to me.

We play games, draw, and go to the park to enjoy the fresh air. Because we are always doing something fun or useful, time passes quickly — sometimes I don’t even notice it!

Besides homework, we practice speaking Romanian. This helps us a lot at school and makes life easier for us here.

We also get delicious meals, so I can come straight from school without worrying.
I enjoy coming to afterschool, and I want to keep coming.

Thank you for giving me this place.”*

Why Your Support Matters

Karolina, Milana, and Roman represent dozens of children whose lives are being shaped — quietly, consistently, lovingly — through this program. Their stories are filled with courage, resilience, and hope.

Because of your generosity:

• Children learn freely.

• They integrate more easily.

• They build friendships.

• They feel safe.

• They believe in their future.

Thank you for standing with them.
Thank you for giving them a place to grow, heal, and dream again.

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