In a recent visit to the Mykolaiv Region, Ukraine’s First Lady, Olena Zelenska, showcased the successful implementation of various projects aimed at enhancing the educational environment and fostering family-based care systems. These initiatives, driven by her foundation, are part of an ongoing effort to ensure children enjoy a safe upbringing within nurturing family settings.

During her tour, Zelenska visited the Veselynove Lyceum and a local kindergarten in Voznesensk, institutions that collectively cater to over a thousand students, including those with disabilities. Her foundation has been instrumental in equipping these facilities with shelters, financially supported by the Serbian government, designed to meet the diverse needs of children across different age groups.

Additionally, Zelenska stopped by the homes of two large foster families in Novyi Buh, beneficiaries of the “Room for Childhood” project. This initiative, supported by the Danish A.P. Moller Relief Foundation, has resulted in the construction of ten houses in the area, providing a stable home environment for foster families. The visit highlighted the lives of families who have embraced children deprived of parental care, integrating them with their biological children to form cohesive family units.

Across Ukraine, Zelenska’s foundation has successfully equipped 31 educational institutions with shelters and supported 21 foster families across 11 regions with new homes. These efforts underscore her commitment to creating safe educational spaces and promoting family-based care, ensuring every child has the opportunity to grow in a secure and loving environment.