I met Mykola Kuleba over a decade ago. He was then the Children’s Ombudsman of Ukraine. I was then the Provincial Advocate for Children and Youth of Ontario. Mykola was seeking a Memorandum of Understanding between our respective offices. Considering his offer I reached out to the Ukrainian diaspora, in a fashion, checking his references. I was told , “We Ukrainians in Canada do not fully trust the Ukrainian government and its officials. But. We know Mykola. We respect him. We trust him. We don’t say that lightly.” I took the leap of faith and signed an MOU to share information and support. I have never looked back.
There are over 100,000 “orphans” in Ukraine living in the country’s old Soviet system of orphanages, boarding schools, training homes. Many of the “orphans” are children with disabilities whose parents rely on an institution for care. The system is isolating, dark and traumatizing, with abuse lurking in it’s corners. Mykola was tasked by successive Presidents of Ukraine to support and spur the de-institutionalization of the “orphanage system”.
And then Russia attacked. Those 100,000 children institutionalized were in harms way. Bombs falling. They were truly alone.
Mykola acted. He created “Save Ukraine”. Save Ukraine is now the largest community based service, made and delivered, in Ukraine, serving children and families. The organization immediately began the courageous work of entering conflict zones and rescuing children in orphanages moving them to places of safety in Ukraine. When Russia abducted Ukrainian children and took them across the border, Save Ukraine worked to repatriate them despite the danger and risk.
Ever nimble, Save Ukraine and Mykola established a network of “Hope and Healing Centres” that receive children traumatized by the war. At these centres children and their care givers can receive the emotional support they need to deal with what they have experienced. Complimenting these receiving centres are community based child and family service hubs supporting children and families as they renew their lives. Rescue, Restore, Rebuild is the mantra.
It is an absolutely compelling system that Save Ukraine is establishing. It is a system that will become the foundation that will finally end the stark orphanage system. It is fundamental change.
Save Ukraine has support throughout the world. Mykola has tasked me with establishing a Save Ukraine-Canada chapter and how could I say “no”. I have been taught that it is not my responsibility or burden to save the entire world but I am not exempt from trying – that I must act as best I can to support those, who are in need, presenting themselves to me. I invite you to join me.
Save Ukraine Canada in partnership with Defence for Children International Canada has begun a project to build a “youth bridge” to children in Ukraine traumatized by the war. The Canadian and Ukrainian youth will meet virtually and conceive and plan initiatives of their own.
Save Ukraine Canada has found Canadian service partners willing to provide in kind support for the work underway in Ukraine. Holland Bloorview Hospital, and the Neufeld Centre have offered on line training to Save Ukraine staff. Grandview Kids has donated equipment for a Save Ukraine community based centre for children with disabilities.
If you are interested in supporting or can lend a hand please connect with me at theelman360@gmail.com.
Don’t look away.
