In a world exclusive interview with AFR Weekend, Olena Zelenska lays bare the plight of children who have lost their parents since the Russian invasion.
“When the war started, we had to evacuate a lot of children from orphanages to other parts of Ukraine or abroad. We have thousands of children abroad who need to come home,” Zelenska says in a world exclusive interview withSpeaking from an undisclosed location, Zelenska cuts a calm, focused figure with an impressive command of detail. Even via videoconference, her compassion is evident.
Even though emergency personnel work around the clock to bring energy infrastructure back online – Kyiv has had power and internet connectivity for more hours than not – it is clear the stress has a grinding effect. “Some children are forced to do their homework by candlelight. This is like going back to medieval times,” Zelenska says. Her foundation has partnered with Microsoft and Hewlett-Packard to deliver 38,000 laptops to assist teachers with remote learning.
“This is the period in life where children can dream without limitation. And right now, our children cannot,” she says. “Going to school helps my son, even if it’s not every day due to long sirens. But in terms of dreams, holidays and travelling, we can forget about that. It’s very hard for children.
An initial pilot program will create an estimated 100 foster placements in 10 purpose-built homes suitable for the thousands of disabled Ukrainian orphans. Homes must include fast-access bomb shelters for parents fostering disabled children, lifting an initial fundraising estimate to €3.5 million .
United Kingdom Latest News, United Kingdom Headlines
Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.
AFR takes up the cause of ‘unfairly maligned billionaire’ Gina Rinehart | The Weekly BeastMining magnate praised for her ‘life-changing generosity’ in a series of flattering portraits. Plus: ABC’s board tussle
Read more »
Premier League: 10 things to look out for this weekendNayef Aguerd is catching the eye, Sean Dyche faces Jürgen Klopp in the Merseyside derby and Leeds face Man Utd … again
Read more »
High temps and hot nights for Queensland as heatwave conditions arrive this weekendTemperatures are set to hit 10C above average across southern Queensland this weekend with Tropical Cyclone Gabrielle bringing three days of heatwave conditions.
Read more »
Women’s Champions League draw, Premier League team news and more – liveJoin Rob Smyth for all the latest football news on the eve of this weekend’s action
Read more »
Five Great Reads: secrets of happiness, swearing goes mainstream and the next pandemic warning signsGuardian Australia’s weekend wrap of essential reads from the past seven days, selected by Kris Swales
Read more »
'The songwriting world has lost its Beethoven': Artists pay tribute to Burt BacharachFrom The Beach Boys' Brian Wilson to Sheryl Crow and Diane Warren, artists and composers are describing how the 94-year-old's work influenced their music.
Read more »