Help Ukrainian Kids Go to School

PROJECT UPDATE VIDEO BELOW!!

I am a middle school student in Columbia, SC who loves being with classmates, playing sports, and learning. School is a sacred space. So you can imagine my profound sadness after learning about the war in Ukraine and its devastating toll on schoolchildren.

I knew I had to help in some way. But what can a 13-year-old realistically do? Then I got an idea: What if I raise money for this cause as my Bat Mitzvah project? (A Bat Mitzvah is when a young Jewish girl becomes responsible for observing the commandments of G-d.)

Education is one of the most integral parts of childhood. It is a fundamental human right. Unfortunately, the Russian war has deprived over 7.5 million children of the opportunity to safely learn, play, and build community. Over 3,000 Ukrainian schools have been damaged by bombing and shelling, with 370 destroyed. Even worse, the war has caused the death of 500+ children and injured 1,000+ others. People’s lives are being destroyed.

I ask you to join me in this effort to support Ukrainian education.

My first goal is to help a school called Hontarivka Lyceum in the Chuhuivskyi and Kharkivska region/oblast, just 16 miles from an active war zone. Serving 1st through 11th graders, it needs a bomb shelter with furniture, a big tent for summertime classes, and a projector. If more money is raised, it will support additional programs in need.

All funding from this campaign goes to Ukrainian Patriot, a nonprofit dedicated to supporting Ukraine and Ukrainians. From the first days of this war, Ukrainian Patriot has focused on five pillars, providing (1) humanitarian aid, (2) medical supplies and equipment, (3) protective gear, (4) PTSD and trauma assistance, and (5) rebuilding the country. They have supported the Hontarivka Lyceum school for many months, providing humanitarian aid, dance therapy, and equipment, as well as love, hope, and connection.

Education cannot simply be paused until the war ends. Your donation will help make a critical difference in the lives of Ukrainian youth. Please join me in this effort to give children the future they deserve.

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UPDATE - See the video below!