In a world at peace, this day is usually about smiles, celebration, balloons, ice cream, children’s laughter, and ease. But in Ukraine, for many years now, it has also been a day when we feel especially keenly that children must not simply be loved. They must be protected.
Protected from danger. From loneliness. From fear. From indifference. From the loss of home, family, support, and a sense of safety.
At our Centre we are beside children every day who carry difficult stories behind them. We see how important it is for a child to have stability, care, a grown-up nearby, a warm home, the chance to learn, to play, to be treated, to be hugged, to speak about what they feel, and slowly to trust the world again.
During the war this work has become even more important. Because war takes from children what should be natural: calm, predictability, a home, loved ones close by, a safe childhood. And that is why every one of our daily acts — breakfast, a lesson, a walk, an activity, a conversation, a visit to the doctor, a clean room, a warm blanket, a birthday, comfort after tears — becomes part of a great protection of childhood.
Today we want to thank everyone who helps children stay safe. Our team, our volunteers, donors, partners, doctors, teachers, and all the caring people who support the Centre and the children not with words alone but with concrete deeds.
And our separate, deepest gratitude goes to the Armed Forces of Ukraine.
It is thanks to our defenders, women and men, that children can wake up in Ukrainian cities, go to school, celebrate birthdays, dream, be treated, grow, and have a future in their own country. They defend not only territory. They defend childhood, families, homes, language, memory, and our children’s right to live freely.
On the Day for the Protection of Children, we wish every child the most important things — safety, love, home, health, and grown-ups they can trust.
And to all of us we wish this reminder: protecting a child does not begin only with great decisions. It begins with everyday care, attention, responsibility, and a readiness to be there.
Happy Day for the Protection of Children!
