Ukraine: “My daughter is my greatest motivation”
Terre des hommes foundation
Every child in the world has the right to a childhood. It's that simple.
“We first went to Poltava region and lived there for about two months. Every week, we hoped to go home. When we realised that we had nowhere to go back to, we moved here, to Ivano-Frankivsk.” Natalia and her daughter Arina, 5, fled the war that has ravaged Ukraine for over two years, and sought refuge in the west of the country. Although they are no longer in immediate danger, the trauma is palpable: “I have no time for sadness or despair. I just get up and go for it, because I know that's what I have to do for her,” says Natalia with a smile. “My daughter is my greatest motivation.”?
Arina attends a local kindergarten. “Children accept her very well, she's very sociable. She immediately made contact with everyone,” Natalia explains with enthusiasm. But the little girl is often ill. “My daughter had a bronchial asthma attack and I was completely desperate, as I couldn't afford to buy her medicine. I turned to Ihor, a social worker. He helped us get financial aid for Arina's treatment.”?
Ihor works for our partner organisation, which identifies and supports families in need. “We work closely with the social department of the village council. I was told that Natalia was from Mariupol, so I immediately called her. We met and discussed her and her daughter’s primary needs”, says Ihor. “Most often, people need financial and material support for their children, help integrating into their new community and links to services such as psychological support,” says Ihor.?
Natalia also attended a training on positive parenting. “I wanted to hear something new, to identify my weaknesses in raising a child, so it was very useful”, she said.?
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As part of this project, Tdh trained 16 specialists in family support in four oblasts in western Ukraine. Around 800 families received assistance and 2,700 children were taken into care by social services.?
After 24 months of war, Natalia shares the same dream as every parent in Ukraine: “I really hope that the war will end as soon as possible and that our children can be happy.”?
Project Engineer,Civil Engineer,having 15 years Experience in Project Management, Shelter, WASH, Irrigation ,Solar powered Drinking water Supply Scheme, Roads & Flood Protection Wall )
9 个月The hadiths of the Prophet (peace and blessing be upon him) about raising girls are beautiful and amazing. Girl children come with great rewards and blessings. If you offer care, love, support and education to your girl child, Paradise awaits you. ?? ?? ??
I want to work for the welfare of the society
9 个月Wish best hope & prosperity
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9 个月Daughters are angels sent from above to fill our hearts with endless love. as well as they are the flowers in the garden of life. those who have this gift are luckiest.
Dynamic Supply Chain and Logistics Professional with over 10 Years of Diverse Industry Experience | Expertise in Corporate and Humanitarian Sectors | Proven Record in Operational Efficiency and Strategic Innovation CSCF?
9 个月As a father to two daughters, Natalia's story deeply resonates with me. The unconditional love and determination she has for Arina in the face of unimaginable circumstances is a powerful testament to the strength of parental love. My daughters are my world, and I can only imagine the depth of resolve Natalia musters every day to provide for and protect her daughter. Natalia's journey, from fleeing the war-torn regions of Ukraine to finding solace and support in Ivano-Frankivsk, underscores the resilience and courage of all parents striving to ensure their children's safety and happiness in times of crisis. Her reliance on her daughter as her greatest motivation mirrors my understanding of what it means to be a parent: our children are the beacons that guide us through the darkest of times, motivating us to push beyond our limits. The assistance provided by Ihor and the Terre des hommes foundation is a beacon of hope, not just for Natalia and Arina but for all families facing similar hardships. It's heartening to hear about the support structures in place, helping families integrate, access necessary medical care, and find psychological support.
Chief Executive Modon Real estate, Ecosystem Rating
9 个月Great work, Thanks, Tdhf