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Fleeing the War: Nine-Year-Old Olya and Her Mother Begin a New Life in Zaporizhzhia

The Charity Foundation “Stabilization Support Services” has begun repairs at temporary accommodation centers (TACs) for displaced persons in Zaporizhzhia. As part of the Provision of Lifesaving Winterization, NFI, and Shelter Support to Conflict Affected Populations in Ukraine project, the team selected three TACs based at dormitories of Zaporizhzhia National University. Here, windows are being replaced, sanitation facilities repaired, and spaces adapted to ensure accessibility.

One of the dormitories has already undergone renovations, with windows and balcony doors replaced in the shared kitchens. In light of this, the Foundation’s team recently visited the site for a monitoring visit.

“This TAC operates on a module system, meaning one kitchen serves several rooms. Some of the windows and doors were damaged by shelling, making it impossible to house people. After the repairs, more spaces have become available, and people from frontline communities continue to arrive,” explained project manager Yuliya Suchok.

Two months ago, nine-year-old Olya (name changed for safety reasons) and her mother arrived here from Huliaipole. As the situation in their town grew increasingly dangerous due to its proximity to the frontline and the only aid came from convoys and isolated organizations, Olya’s mother decided to relocate to Zaporizhzhia.

When leaving their home, Olya’s mother took along her daughter’s favorite toys. After they arrived at the TAC in Zaporizhzhia, a small kitten named Tyoma was brought to Olya from Pokrovsk. Despite the horrors of war, Olya’s mother, who is raising her daughter alone, does everything possible to ensure Olya has a happy childhood in a safe place,” said Anna Borysova, the Director of Humanitarian Programs of the Foundation.

Currently, Olya’s mother is in the process of obtaining all necessary documents to receive assistance and official IDP status. Olya continues her studies online. Over the past two months, her life has changed significantly — new city, new home, new pet — but none of these changes have dampened her spirits. She eagerly shares her dreams with the Foundation’s team and proudly shows off her bright, life-filled drawings.

This project is being implemented in the settlements of Khersonska and Zaporizka oblasts for people affected by the war. The Charity Foundation “Stabilization Support Services” is working on this project in collaboration with the international humanitarian organization CARE, with support from NACHBAR IN NOT.