School backpacks are more than practical items for Ukrainian children. They symbolise a return to normal life, help children focus on learning and support their emotional development amid the daily realities of war. When a child receives a complete backpack, they walk into school prepared, confident and feeling cared for - instead of anxious or left behind.
By donating today, you can give a child a truly better start to the new school year.
Our trusted partner in Ukraine runs this campaign to support children in grades 1-4 by giving them the school supplies they need to learn, grow and thrive.
But these backpacks contain something even more valuable than stationery.
Each one includes a psychological support kit - carefully chosen items that help children cope with stress and anxiety during frequent missile and drone warnings, often spent waiting in underground shelters. These comforting tools offer moments of calm in an uncertain world.
A complete school bag means a child has every essential learning tool and every emotional support item needed to start the year with dignity, stability and hope.
You can start a fundraiser with friends, family, your parish or school. Whether you raise £3 for plasticine, cardboard and an eraser or £37 for a complete backpack, every gift helps equip a child for the year ahead.
Thanks to your generosity, 107 children in the Kamianske, Kyiv and Kolomyia regions received fully equipped backpacks last year - 53 girls and 54 boys, all in grades 1–4.
In the midst of ongoing conflict, these backpacks became a vital support system for families. They eased the financial burden and helped give children a sense of normality, structure and pride as they returned to school.
Providing children with complete backpacks meets not only their practical needs, but also their emotional ones. It helps them step into school ready to learn, ready to connect with their classmates and ready to begin again.
Your kindness has already made a real difference to children across Ukraine. Here are just a few of the stories they shared with us.
In Kamianske, a six‑year‑old girl received a satchel filled with brightly coloured supplies. “I love everything red and pink,” she told us excitedly. “My new satchel has a pink pencil case and pink toys too. I can already imagine coming to school and showing my friends the toys and notebooks inside. Look at this pencil case - I’ve never seen anything like it!”
Her joy reflects what a full backpack represents: confidence, pride and the excitement of a fresh start.
A third‑grade boy in Kyiv
One mother shared how her son reacted to his new backpack: “My son really liked it! It’s comfortable and roomy - there’s space for books and snacks. We didn’t have to buy anything extra - everything we needed was included. And it’s very nice that they took care of the child’s emotions - the toys inside were a lovely surprise.”
Having everything included meant he could begin school fully prepared, without worry and with a smile.
A nine‑year‑old girl in Kolomyia
For a young girl in Kolomyia, starting fourth grade wasn’t just about school — it was about friends, creativity, and discovering what she could become. Her biggest dream was to have a new school bag. Thanks to your support, that dream came true.
She was especially touched to find a small toy in the set. “Thank you to the people who gave us such beautiful school supplies,” she told us.
For her, the bag wasn’t just practical - it helped her feel ready and excited for the year ahead.
Help give more children a better start
The need remains great. Thousands of Ukrainian children still face the daily pressures of conflict, displacement and uncertainty. A complete school bag can help them reclaim stability, dignity and hope - and step into their school year with confidence.
Please help give more children like these a better start to the school year. Thank you.
We work with local partners in Ukraine to supply bags and supplies to children attending school.
This year, the total cost of one fully equipped school bag is approximately £37. This includes both educational materials and psychological support items. £27 can buy the educational materials block (backpack, stationery, and art supplies); £10 can buy all psychological support items (stress-relief toys, postcard with coping cards, small game, water bottle, stickers); £8 can buy a pencil case with pens, markers, ruler, and sharpener; £5 can buy paints, brushes, and coloured paper; £3 can buy plasticine, cardboard, and an eraser.
At this time, we are focusing on monetary donations to streamline the process of purchasing and distributing the school bags locally in Ukraine.
If we don't reach our target, the funds collected will still be used to purchase as many school bags and supplies as possible, ensuring that every penny goes towards supporting the children's education.
Any additional funds raised will be used to provide more school bags and supplies to children in need, expanding our reach and impact.
