How Friendship and Care is helping Children in Ukraine
Mission Without Borders brings hope, support, and joy to children with special needs in Ukraine.9th April 2026
A Visit Full of Heart
Mission Without Borders recently visited a children’s home in western Ukraine, joined by seminary student volunteers. The home provides education and care for children with special educational needs and physical disabilities.
The day’s theme was friendship. Through fun games, songs, and treats, the children experienced joy and connection. A special guest, Upanchik the bear, brought therapeutic storytelling to life. Sharing his story of losing his home in a fire, Upanchik helped children open up about difficult experiences like war, displacement, and loss.
Through singing, hugging, and caring for Upanchik, the children also learned how to care for and support one another.
Bringing Joy and Recognition
Lyubov, deputy director for educational work, expressed her gratitude:
“First of all, I would like to thank you for not forgetting children like ours, because they are special… they need attention, they need support, they need to understand that someone needs them… Events like these are so important because they show the children what kindness is, what love is, what friendship is.”
Volunteer Yulia shared:
“I feel that it’s my calling to bring hope and faith into their hearts… Children need to feel that they are needed, that someone is there for them, that they are not alone.”
Oksana, Mission Without Borders staff, added, “We try to help the children realise that they are valuable and have potential, and that they have the ability to bring comfort to their friends and help each other feel loved.”
Through the Children’s Eyes
Eight-year-old Nastya said:
“The show today was about a bear who suffered a tragedy… I really love it when you come, and I can’t wait for the next time. Thank you!”
Eleven-year-old Renat shared:
“The performance was great and the bear was cool, but something bad happened to him and I felt sorry… I recognised the songs because I went to the Mission’s summer camp. My dream is that the war will end because it’s causing so much trouble.”
Your Support Brings Lasting Hope
These children face immense challenges during the ongoing war. Anxiety, sadness, and isolation are part of their daily lives. Yet with your support, they experience joy, connection, and the reassurance that they are loved and important.
Your generosity empowers Mission Without Borders and volunteers like Yulia to bring hope, friendship, and care to vulnerable children—showing them that they are never alone.
