Empower & Educate Ukraine's War-Affected Youth

Demian Nykolyn’s Story: Building Dreams Despite Loss

Demian Nykolyn was born on September 5, 2012, in Lviv. Like thousands of other Ukrainian children, his childhood is divided into “before” and “after” the war. On his birthday in 2023, Demian experienced the greatest tragedy of his life — he lost his father, Ivan Myronovych Nykolyn, who gave his life defending Ukraine in Zaporizhzhia. Ivan was posthumously awarded the Order “For Courage,” III degree.

After this heartbreaking loss, Demian remained with his mother, Khrystyna, who works hard to provide for the family while they rent an apartment in Lviv. Despite his grief, Demian continues his studies, does well at school, and holds on to big dreams. He is passionate about swimming, volleyball, and — most of all — IT technologies.

Thanks to the support of the Children of Heroes Foundation, Demian has been able to start programming classes. These lessons not only help him gain knowledge but also open doors to the future he envisions. His interest in technology grows every day, and he already sets goals to master new IT skills so that one day he can create his own projects.

But Demian dreams of building not only in the virtual world. He hopes to become an architect — to design and create in real life. Perhaps one day, his projects will help shape the future of a free and modern Ukraine, the country his father gave his life to protect.

By supporting Children of Heroes, you are giving more than aid — you are giving children a future. Our foundation now cares for over 14,000 children who have lost one or both parents in the war. We commit to stand by them until they turn 18, providing psychological support, education, and essential assistance. With your continued help, we can reach even more families, ensure stability, and give every child the chance to heal, grow, and dream again.

Not long ago, this large family lived a peaceful, happy, and ordinary life.
The parents lovingly watched their three children grow, celebrated their small victories, and dreamed about the future.
The mother worked; the father served in the Armed Forces of Ukraine.
Their days were filled with hope — until war changed everything.

From the very first days of the full-scale invasion, the father joined the defense of his hometown, Chernihiv.
He helped evacuate civilians from occupied areas, saving lives while risking his own.
In June 2022, the family suffered an irreparable loss — the father was killed in action.
The mother was left alone to raise three young children.

Now the family lives in a frontline region, where constant air raid sirens and the threat of shelling make in-person schooling impossible.
Education became a daily struggle — online lessons disrupted by fear, unstable connections, and emotional exhaustion.
Learning under such conditions is a challenge most of us cannot imagine.

That’s why the educational programs offered by the Children of Heroes Foundation became a lifeline for this family.
They brought not only knowledge but also stability, confidence, and a renewed belief in the future.

• Illia, 10, is thriving in his English and math classes. The lessons helped him improve his school performance, build confidence, and develop a love for learning.

• Matvii, 9, dreams of speaking fluent English. He never misses a lesson and is steadily expanding his vocabulary.

• Stefania, 8, attends English classes with passion and determination, inspired by every new word she learns.

For these children, education is more than just a lesson — it’s a step toward healing, a return to normalcy, and a way to dream again.
For their mother, it is hope — hope that her children will grow up strong, intelligent, and joyful, despite everything they’ve been through.

Education: A Path to a New Future

Today, the Children of Heroes Foundation supports over 13,000 children who have lost one or both parents due to the war.

Of these:

• 3,086 children are already enrolled in the foundation’s educational programs:

  • 908 receive tutoring in core school subjects;

  • 1,642 are learning foreign languages;

  • 142 are exploring programming;

  • 50 attend art classes;

  • 200 are preparing for the National Multisubject Test (NMT).

But every day, 10–15 more children join the foundation, and the waiting list for educational support continues to grow:

• 196 children are waiting for English classes,

• 222 need academic tutoring,

• around 300 want to begin programming courses.

Each educational grant is more than access to a classroom — it’s a lifeline.
It’s the strength to move forward, the power to believe again, and a message that they are not forgotten.

Thank you for believing in the power of education and for standing with Ukraine’s youth in this critical time.
Your support gives them not only knowledge but also hope — and the courage to dream again.